Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest

  • Project: Country Garden House
  • Architect: Olson Kundig Architects
  • Location: United States, Portland, Oregon
  • Year: 2020
  • Area: 492 m2
  • Photography: Jeremy Bittermann

A Modern Homestead Surrounded by Nature

Tucked into a densely wooded site near Portland, Oregon, the Country Garden House by Olson Kundig is a warm, nature-integrated retreat for a multi-generational family. With 5,300 square feet of living space wrapped in reclaimed barnwood, this home draws inspiration from classic farm buildings and greenhouses—melding modern comfort with rustic charm.

Designed to maximize views of lush gardens and rolling hills, the house embraces its natural surroundings with an open, light-filled layout and carefully framed views from every room.

Greenhouse-Inspired Form and Function

Clad in reclaimed wood and topped with a pitched roof, the main volume of the house evokes the timeless character of agricultural structures, while expansive gridded glazing brings in ample daylight. High transom windows at each end of the central form allow natural light to spill into the home, enhancing the connection between inside and out.

The entry sequence begins with a direct view through the living room toward the forested hillside beyond—a visual link that introduces the home’s fluid relationship with nature from the first step indoors.

A Thoughtful, Family-Friendly Layout

The interior plan separates private and public zones via a long gallery-style corridor, organizing the home around functionality and flow. Private bedrooms are located on one side, while the main living areas—including the kitchen, dining, and great room—occupy the other, with each space designed to interact directly with the gardens outside.

The home’s material palette draws from the surrounding forest: textured wood, stone, and earth-toned finishes create a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior. In the main room, exposed timber ceilings add warmth and a refined rustic feel, anchoring the space with a sense of timelessness.

Outdoor Living in a Garden Setting

One of the defining characteristics of Country Garden House is its emphasis on outdoor living. Multiple terraces, patios, and garden paths are easily accessible from all main spaces, offering ample room for gatherings and quiet moments alike.

Whether dining alfresco beneath the trees or relaxing beside flower-filled beds, the home provides a serene platform to enjoy Oregon’s natural beauty year-round.

Olson Kundig’s Mastery of Site-Responsive Design

Country Garden House reflects Olson Kundig’s continued dedication to designing homes that respect their environment, support family life, and offer emotional depth. Blending craftsmanship, simplicity, and sensitivity to place, the project is yet another strong example of the firm’s signature approach to architecture that is both modern and grounded in tradition.

Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann
Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest
Photography © Jeremy Bittermann

Posted by Olson Kundig Architects

Olson Kundig is a renowned architecture firm based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 1966 by Jim Olson. The practice is internationally recognized for its innovative and site-responsive designs that blend architecture with nature, materiality, and human interaction. With Tom Kundig joining in the 1980s and becoming a principal in 1996, the firm evolved to include kinetic architectural features—like hand-cranked openings and moveable walls—that allow users to physically engage with the built environment. Led by a team of principals including Olson, Kundig, Kirsten Ring Murray, Alan Maskin, and Kevin Kudo-King, the studio maintains a collaborative design culture rooted in craftsmanship, sustainability, and contextual sensitivity. In 2022, Olson Kundig expanded its presence with a New York office. The firm has received over 70 AIA awards and is consistently featured in top design publications and global rankings like the AD100 list.