Black Butte Residence

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The Black Butte Residence is a family retreat integrated into a forested site in the high desert landscape of central Oregon. The split form creates three types of spaces, each framing one of the area’s iconic mountain peaks. The primary bedroom at the north faces Black Butte, and the office on the south frames the Three Fingered Jack. The roofs of these more private spaces are cross-connected to form a central double-height space for gathering that is oriented towards the most prominent peak, Mount Jefferson. The house is sited with the ethic of a tent on a campsite, lightly placed on a previously disturbed area of the site, thereby preserving the family’s favorite spot for stargazing.

Care was taken to site the residence to capture views of the three mountains; Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, and Black Butte, which also served as inspiration for its form.

The design prioritizes natural and regional materials, balancing durability with energy efficiency to minimize negative environmental impacts. On the exterior, the dark-stained cedar siding and black metal standing seam roof integrate with the forested environment. Large, high-performance European triple-glazed windows are strategically placed to maximize natural light, provide superior comfort with minimal heat loss, and offer unobstructed views of the mountains. The interior emphasizes natural materials such as glulam columns and Douglas Fir ceilings on the main level and white oak floors and custom millwork the level above. A 16.8 kW photovoltaic array of solar panels on the roof, is estimated to offset approximately 80% of the home’s annual energy consumption, alongside electric vehicle chargers and LED lighting.