Guth House
As is typical in many NE Portland 1920’s bungalows, the second-floor primary suite had plenty of height along the ridgeline, but the steep roof pitch made for a long, narrow upper level with little usable area and few windows. The existing bathroom was windowless and had been crammed into the eave so that only half the room was tall enough for standing. The clients wanted to improve the layout of their master bath, they wanted better storage, and they wanted us to respect the original character of the house.
Adding a shed dormer created a tall, sloped ceiling in the bathroom and allowed us to add four windows to it. Bringing natural light into older bungalows and improving the connection to the outdoors are always priorities. The bathroom windows face north for clear, indirect light. The vanity is opposite the soaking tub and windows so that the mirrors reflect the trees and sky. The new bathroom occupies the same footprint as the previous bath but now has enough space for a separate tub and shower. The freestanding tub is the bathroom’s feature element and is flanked by the shower and the water closet. We chose simple finishes and fixtures to make the room inviting and relaxing.
A second new gable dormer created a cruciform space for a shared office centered in the upstairs. Opposite the stairs, we added built-in storage, a quartz worktop, and a skylight, creating a bright work area in an otherwise dark hall. The bedroom has new windows and skylights, two closets, and a built-in dresser, making an airy retreat.
We partially finished the basement after coordinating extensive seismic retrofitting. The family room has exposed CVG fir columns and reveal-fitted drywall infill panels. The new bathroom has a curbless shower, and the spare bedroom has a sliding glass door. The laundry area was expanded, and we added plenty of cabinetry for storage and organization. The floors are refinished concrete, with the exception of the laundry, where we added studded rubber flooring.
Contractor: gpgc - Greg M. Palin, General Contractor
Photographers: Caitlin Murray, Built Photo
Structural Engineer: Allstructure Engineering
