We designed this meticulously built suite with the goal of creating a sustainable, beautiful tiny home experience unlike any we’ve seen. Awash in natural light, it is nestled between two lushly planted outdoor spaces adorned with palm trees and a large water fountain. The property is located in the Hollywood district, one of Portland’s oldest, beautiful walkable neighborhoods, less than fifteen minutes from downtown. And just 30 minutes from the Columbia Gorge waterfall area.
A few details:
The suite is sided in traditional Japanese charred wood. During the day main room converts in just a moment from sleeping to a sitting room looking out to the main patio, or an efficient workspace with a desk concealed in the casework. The smaller west patio has a casual covered dining table that can seat four. There is ample closet space, a yoga mat and meditation cushion.
A large three panel slider opens to turn the entire suite into an indoor/outdoor space. It is a perfect spot to enjoy your morning cappuccino while you look out to the private south patio garden. The kitchenette has a Delonghi Espresso Machine, a hot water kettle by Fellow, a small microwave and small refrigerator stocked with sparkling water. Lavazza espresso, local teas and snacks are also complimentary. The full bath is clad in deep blue artisan tile. The heated stone tile floor makes the morning even more comfortable.
It includes one-of-a-kind furnishings by artist and designer Nicole Misiti and art by prominent Portland artists.
A library of books from local booksellers includes literature by local authors and poets, city and regional guidebooks, guide books, natural history about the Willamette Valley, Columbia River Gorge and the history of Portland.
On the bookshelf you will find our own Smart Happy Good Guide to Eating well in Portland. It includes our current favorite restaurants and bars. There is also our guide to off the beaten path independently owned bookstores, shops, local hikes, parks and gardens. (Portland has beautiful gardens.)
Why we do this the way we do:
We named our endeavor Smart Happy Good.
Smart: Travel rewards the curious who like to engage with the local culture of a place.
Happy: Joyful travel derives in part by connecting with all that is alive and vital.
Good: The places we design are self-sufficient, strive for equanimity by restoring balance in our surroundings and the way we travel and work.
This is our third vacation property, but the first we have been able to build from the ground up. It is designed to leave a tiny carbon footprint. The cladding, a traditional Japanese building material called Shou Shugi Ban, is a rain screen covering the entire structure. Rainwater is collected in hidden gutters, then stored in cisterns which in turn irrigate the entire property. Plants are drought tolerant and maintained without pesticides. Trees and shrubs attract pollinators and birds (hummingbirds being our favorite). The suite wrapped in a locally made, best-of-class breathable membrane making the house as energy efficient as possible. Operable skylights and a ceiling fan offer an alternative to using the heat-pump air-conditioning.
