charred wood residence by mork-ulnes architects pays tribute to fire afflicted site in oregon

Octothorpe House by Mork-Ulnes Architects

When viewed from above, Octothorpe House by Mork-Ulnes Architects takes the form of the versatile symbol after which it was named. Set in the wild landscape of a high plateau in the Oregon desert, the home is designed for flexible, nature-based living and is heavily influenced by the shapes, colors, and textures of its surroundings in both its design and materiality. The structure is built to be environmentally friendly and is constructed of locally manufactured cross-laminated timber (CLT), while the charred wood matches the color palette of the arid landscape.

The video by Juan Benavides allows viewers to step inside and experience the Octothorpe House by capturing the ever-changing faces of the residence as the day progresses and the light shifts. 

viewed from above, the Octothorpe House takes the form of the versatile symbol after which it was named | all images courtesy of Jeremy Bitterman

paying tribute to the history of the area

Octothorpe House by Mork-Ulnes Architects (find more here) is one of the first buildings constructed using cross-laminated timber manufactured in the United States. The house stands on the site of a forest destroyed by wildfire two decades ago, and references the history of the site with its ashen Shou Sugi Ban cedar panels and raw CLT finish inside.

Although the floor plan is conceived as a grid, the various wings and roofs appear asymmetrical when viewed from the outside, creating a house with changing images and perspectives. Four intersecting shed-roofed bars divide the plan into public and private areas. The intersections of these bars form planted courtyards around the building — one fully enclosed at its center and seven at its perimeter. Some are enclosed, while others open generously to the sky. The courtyards allow abundant light to penetrate all rooms, while also strengthening the connection between the indoors and outdoors. At the same time, they help protect the house from the sun and the intense desert winds.

when observed from outside, the several wings and roofs appear to be asymmetrical

large windows and small courtyards connect occupants to the natural surroundings

the materiality of the structure matches with the color palette of the desert landscape

a protected courtyard emerges in the heart of the residence

the courtyards allow abundant light to penetrate all rooms

the wooden interior is brightly lit

the living room, kitchen and dining area of the house

the bathroom opens generously to the desert landscape

night view of the residence

project info: 

name: Octothorpe House
architects: Mork-Ulnes Architects | @morkulnesarchitects
 collaborators: Forest City Made Construction, Strata Landscape Architecture, Eclipse Engineering

project team: Greg Ladigin, Casper Mork Ulnes, Lexie Mork Ulnes, Phi Van Phan

location: Bend, Oregon, USA

area: 3340 sqm

photography: Jeremy Bitterman | @jeremybittermann
videography: Juan Benavides | @juanbenavidesl