The Grube Residence

Quite possibly overlooked at first glance by its modest presence, this germanic chalet is a significant architectural work and that thoughtfully responds to its setting. Designed by Joachim Grube, a pioneer of Northwest Regional Modernism, the home was sited and designed to take full advantage of the beautifully forested and sloped hills of the Sylvan Highlands while nestling lightly into nature’s envelope of firs and rhododendrons.

A german immigrant and founding partner of Portland’s Yost Grube Hall Architecture, Grube designed a handful of homes on his own and in his early days working in collaboration with the acclaimed William Fletcher. A founding partner of Portland’s Yost Grube Hall Architecture, Grube designed a handful of homes alone and in collaboration with the acclaimed William Fletcher. The home was designed by Grube as a labor of love for his family and sits in between archetypal twins – former partner Richard Campbell and Grube’s family homes built in the same year, creating a triad of architectural wonders in a row between family and friends. It’s not every day that an architect gets to design the home next door to his own, and no less — for his family.

Built in 2003, the 2437 square foot home, with its open and flowing floor plan, has the middle entry floor, with kitchen, living, dining room and half-bath as the primary living level, which separates the two sleeping levels. The private upper level is a spacious primary ensuite with a flexible use studio room. Two additional bedrooms, bath and laundry are housed on the lower level.

The footprint, tightly prescribed by zoning and trees, led Grube to design a light filled form that opens skyward with each floor cantilevering out beyond its impressive concrete foundation and is framed by the forest around it. A metal roof and tongue and groove cedar siding with thoughtfully placed custom-built clear fir double paned windows create a distinctive look and protect the home from the elements.

Walls of glass flood the home with forest views and natural light throughout the day and obsessive dimmable recessed lighting controls the ambience at night. Upon entry you are greeted by red oak hardwood floors that run throughout and an architectural floating custom oak stairwell with steel railings connecting the 3 levels.

The recently renovated kitchen has additional new cabinetry with black Viscount granite countertops, new Bosch and KitchenAid appliances, Kohler fixtures and heated slate floors making cooking a joy.

The living and dining rooms both have unique fir edged tray ceilings with hidden lighting and add additional ambience. The dining room has a wall mural painted by Oregon artist Tom Cramer and above a custom douglas fir built-in sideboard resides a wood carving by family friend, Leroy Setziol, designed specifically for the spot; a potential negotiable sale inclusion.

The inviting living room works as an entertainment center, gallery and library. It is anchored by a cylindrical Rais Danish wood stove that sits front and center before a wall of windows with deck beyond and expansive forest views to the south. The room is flanked by custom fir built-ins for housing collections, books and audiophile equipment.

Adding to the chalet vibe, the rich and warm upper level has vaulted ceilings with Douglas fir beams and mahogany paneling throughout.

Outside a generous cedar deck off the main floor entry opens to southern exposure, while a fire pit and terraced garden sit below. The covered carport includes two storage rooms below it, one roomy enough for a workshop or creative space. While solidly connected to the land, the home comfortably lives like an easy-care condo in the forest.

The design and architectural details are endless and we could keep going…

This home is an inspiring peaceful sanctuary for relishing in natures beauty and life’s richest experiences. A generational work of architecture—designed not only as shelter but as a steward of the natural environment, creating balance and harmony both inside and out. And one of Grube’s most meaningful projects ever completed.