Scott Edwards Architecture LLP

Glass Link House

Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann

GLASS LINK HOUSE

Scott | Edwards Architecture

AREA
7800 m²

YEAR
2019

MANUFACTURERS
Kolbe, Leicht, Weiland Sliding Doors

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Rick Berry, Ryan Yoshida, Kelly Edwards

INTERIOR DESIGN
FQ Designs Group

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
SFA Design Group

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Humber Design Group

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
2.ink Studio

CONTRACTOR
Otis Construction

LIGHTING DESIGN
Biella Lighting Design

LOCATION
Portland, United States

CATEGORIES
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

Glass Link was designed for a growing family with a passion for entertaining, nature, and Japanese design.

Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann
Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann

The home was a collaborative effort between the Scott|Edwards Architecture design team and the family—a merger of sensitive expressions of the family’s lifestyle, celebrations of the natural features of the site, and plenty of experimental design approaches.

The result is a graceful home with a direct connection to nature, perfect for gatherings with family and friends, while equally suited for quieter moments.

Achieving this harmony came with challenges—the family wanted views of the surrounding forest front and back, spaces for activity and rest, a flat main level despite the steeply sloping site, and rooms that were functional for both entertainment and privacy.

Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann
Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann

Glass Link resolved these challenges by dividing the house into three main components and carefully nestling them into the site.

The “active” wing of the home contains the workout room, cedar sauna, media room, guest bedrooms, wine room with custom walnut wine racks, and a hidden whiskey room.

Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann
Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann

This private room for intimate gatherings—which can only be accessed through a secret latch in a cabinet, is one of the many unexpected design elements in the home that arose from collaborative conversations between the design team and client.

A 12-foot-tall, board-form concrete wall pulls the surrounding hillside back from the whiskey room, forming a small, sunken private outdoor courtyard.

Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann
Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann

The “quiet” wing contains the master suite and kid’s bedroom, which ends in a framed view of the forested backyard.

The wings are joined by a glass great room for gathering and entertaining. The center of the home, containing the

kitchen, living, and dining area, is enclosed on each side by 48-feet of retractable glass doors, blurring the line between inside and outside.

Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann
Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann

The great room is anchored by a massive fireplace, clad with Himachal Black Quartzite, which flows from entryway in, inviting visitors through space.

Polished concrete floors sweep outward into the central courtyard, and the 14-foot-tall glass on either side of the space connects the forested front yard to the forest views downslope in the backyard.

Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann
Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann

Obsidian granite terraces gracefully step the courtyard down the slope, echoing its natural form while creating outdoor spaces for the family and guests.

Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann
Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann

A pool, spa, firepit, and outdoor dining area occupy these terraces and complete the outdoor living area.

Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann
Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann

In the traditions of Japanese and Pacific Northwest Modern design, the structure of the home is clearly expressed, forming an open framework of beams and columns.

Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann
Glass Link House
© Jeremy Bittermann

Materially, the home is restrained and simple, with an emphasis on naturally durable materials such as wood, steel, stone, and glass, locally sourced when possible. Warm wood ceilings, rugs, and cozy furniture add a soft touch to the minimalist material palette.


Glass Link House
First Floor Plan
Glass Link House
Basement Plan


Glass Link House
South Elevation
Glass Link House
North Elevation
Glass Link House
Longitudinal Section
Glass Link House
Cross Section

Scott Edwards Architecture LLP
T +1 503 2263617
Scott Edwards Architecture LLP
2525 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, United States