Bloom Family Village
Orenco, Oregon | 2006

This project has been undertaken so that an entire multi-generational family can live together in one place that is integrated with the natural environment.  Consisting of two homes & two multi-purpose barn structures, the collection of buildings is designed to define exterior common spaces while also receiving southern light and opening to gorgeous views.  The buildings sit in the Orenco historic district, so they respect the texture & details while being creative evolutions of the Arts & Crafts style.  All the buildings are infused with an artistic vigor, while the plan, major elements, and subtle details all provide rich & unexpected surprises.  From the great common room of one home and the serpentine commons of the other, to the decorative ceramic rosettes, these buildings are muscular, feminine, and all share a graceful, appreciative orientation to the site.  Ecological features include an extensive use of recycled materials, southern apertures, super-insulation, whole oak tree columns, living driveways, and many site features that are demonstrations for how to develop on the edge of wildlife corridors.