Before & After – A Mid-Century Modern Renovation In Oregon

December 11, 2024
A mid-century modern home that received a contemporary update.

Originally designed by prominent Pacific Northwest architect Saul Zaik, this 1963 mid-century modern house has been remodeled by SHED Architecture & Design for a young, minimalist family.

The Mori House sits on a gently sloped, forested site off a quiet road in the west end of Portland, Oregon, and it has a detached garage/studio, elevated decks, and a tea house pavilion.

Here’s a look at the ‘Before’ images of the home…

Before photos of a mid-century modern home that received a contemporary update.
Before photos of a mid-century modern home that received a contemporary update.
Before photos of a mid-century modern home that received a contemporary update.
Before photos of a mid-century modern home that received a contemporary update.

The updated home features an exterior of dark stained wood, new windows, and a wide path leading to the front door.

This updated mid-century modern home features an exterior of dark stained wood, new windows, and a wide path leading to the front door.

The home’s layout includes the living/dining/kitchen and primary suite on the main level and three flexible bedrooms, a bathroom, a hangout space, a wine cellar, and laundry on the lower walkout level.

The layout of this renovated home includes the living/dining/kitchen and primary suite on the main level and three flexible bedrooms, a bathroom, a hangout space, a wine cellar, and laundry on the lower walkout level.

The front door and entryway are illuminated with natural light from the skylights.

The front door and entryway are illuminated with natural light from the skylights.

Custom Fir slats and casework have been added to the home, with all casework designed by Big Branch Woodworking.

Custom Fir slats and casework have been added to this renovated mid-century modern home.
Custom Fir slats and casework have been added to this renovated mid-century modern home.

In the living room, the exposed beams have been refurbished and finished in black, while a nail-laminated ceiling is shown throughout. There’s also a custom built-in bar with sliding mirror doors and a fireplace with floating hearth on the opposite wall.

In this living room, the exposed beams have been refurbished and finished in black, while a nail-laminated ceiling is shown throughout. There's also a custom built-in bar with sliding mirror doors, and on the opposite wall, a fireplace with floating hearth.
In this living room, the exposed beams have been refurbished and finished in black, while a nail-laminated ceiling is shown throughout. There's also a custom built-in bar with sliding mirror doors, and on the opposite wall, a fireplace with floating hearth.
In this living room, the exposed beams have been refurbished and finished in black, while a nail-laminated ceiling is shown throughout. There's also a custom built-in bar with sliding mirror doors, and on the opposite wall, a fireplace with floating hearth.

A dining nook featuring a custom fir bench is positioned in front of floor-to-ceiling glass.

A dining nook featuring a custom fir bench is positioned in front of floor-to-ceiling glass.

The kitchen includes a horizontal window above the cooktop, offering views of mature rhododendrons. It also has plain-sawn Ash cabinetry and a Basaltina Natural Stone countertop with a honed finish.

The kitchen includes a horizontal window above the cooktop, offering views of mature rhododendrons, as well as plain-sawn Ash cabinetry and Basaltina Natural Stone countertop with a honed finish.
The kitchen includes a horizontal window above the cooktop, offering views of mature rhododendrons, as well as plain-sawn Ash cabinetry and Basaltina Natural Stone countertop with a honed finish.
The kitchen includes a horizontal window above the cooktop, offering views of mature rhododendrons, as well as plain-sawn Ash cabinetry and Basaltina Natural Stone countertop with a honed finish.

In the primary bedroom, floor-to-ceiling windows provide an uninterrupted view of the trees.

In this primary bedroom, floor-to-ceiling windows provide an uninterrupted view of the trees.

The primary bathroom has natural stone “Basalto” tiles on the floor and an Absolute Black Antiqued Granite countertop with a custom wood vanity. There’s a contemporary 12″ round rainhead in the shower and stacked mosaic Ann Sacks tiles in a Foundry matte color.

This primary bathroom has natural stone "Basalto" tiles on the floor and an Absolute Black Antiqued Granite countertop with a custom wood vanity. In the shower, there's a contemporary 12" round rainhead and stacked mosaic Ann Sacks tiles in a Foundry matte color.
This primary bathroom has natural stone "Basalto" tiles on the floor and an Absolute Black Antiqued Granite countertop with a custom wood vanity. In the shower, there's a contemporary 12" round rainhead and stacked mosaic Ann Sacks tiles in a Foundry matte color.

The bathroom also includes a Japanese-inspired wood bathtub.

This bathroom includes a Japanese-inspired wood bathtub.

The lower basement level of the home includes a sitting area off the hallway, custom Fir paneling, a bathroom with a freestanding soaking tub, and gym.

A modern sitting area with custom Fir paneling on the wall.
A modern home gym with a view of the trees.
A modern bathroom with a freestanding soaking bathtub and a large window.

Here’s a look at the architectural drawings for the home.

Architectural drawings for a renovated mid-century modern home.
Architectural drawings for a renovated mid-century modern home.
Architectural drawings for a renovated mid-century modern home.
Photography: Rafael Soldi | Remodel Architect: SHED Architecture | Original Architect: Saul Zaik | Contractor: Purch and Holding | Structural Engineer: Grummel Engineering