Contact us

Bridlemile Residence

A modern renovation in Portland, Oregon’s West Hills that retains its original charm

A modern kitchen and dining area of the Bridlemile Residence. Wide-plank white oak flooring adds organic warmth and balances the dark architectural elements. A large walnut dining table is paired with eight black upholstered chairs on a textured area rug. Four white Eames-style molded stools with chrome legs provide a crisp contrast against the black island in the background. A minimalist black linear LED pendant is suspended over the island, while a more sculptural multi-baton LED fixture hangs over the dining area.
A front view of the custom metal clad fireplace. Two mid-century modern accent chairs, feature warm tan leather upholstery and tapered wooden legs. A low-profile, boxy modular sofa in a light oatmeal or beige fabric provides expansive seating. A simple, rectangular wooden coffee table with a natural finish sits in the center of the seating area.
The vaulted ceiling exposed heavy-timber beams. painted matte black, providing a dramatic structural element. On the left two large black barn-style sliding doors on tracks offer a sleek, industrial way to transition between rooms. At the back of the room is a custom black floor-to-ceiling shelving unit provides storage and display space for ceramics and greenery, contrasting sharply with the crisp white walls.
A hallway leading to a reading loft with a built-in climbing ladder. A series of black, industrial-style pipe rungs are mounted directly to the white wall, serving as a permanent ladder. The destination is a small loft nestled under a gabled roof. It is entirely clad in warm natural wood paneling on the walls and ceiling, creating a distinct, "nest-like" contrast to the crisp white hallway below. A black horizontal-slat metal railing provides safety for the loft, while a warm overhead light and a small window ensure the space is bright and inviting.
The airy, modern entryway of the Bridlemile Residence. A large, matte black front door with a long silver handle opens to a light-filled space. To the left, a recessed black mudroom niche features built-in seating, a shelf for shoes, and gold tree-branch-style coat hooks. A striking black halo-style LED pendant light with two interlocking rings hangs from the vaulted ceiling, serving as a contemporary focal point. A prominent black-painted heavy-timber beam spans the ceiling, adding a structural and dramatic element to the white-walled interior.
The primary bedroom of the Bridlemile Residence. High, sloping ceilings enhance the room's volume and airy feel. Large black-framed triple-pane windows and a sliding glass door provide abundant natural light and forest views while maintaining a quiet, energy-efficient environment. The sliding door opens directly to the backyard, seamlessly connecting the sleeping area with the lush outdoor landscape
The primary bathroom of the Bridlemile Residence. A deep, white freestanding oval bathtub serves as the central focal point, positioned directly in front of a large window. The walls are clad in large-format dark charcoal tiles, providing a bold contrast to the bright white tub and the light wood of the accent furniture. A prominent brushed-gold floor-mounted tub filler adds a touch of refined elegance and warmth to the cool-toned space.
Open-concept great room of the Bridlemile Residence. The room has vaulted ceilings with exposed heavy-timber trusses that have been painted black for a dramatic effect. A 15-foot-long triple-pane skylight and a 22-foot-long accordion door flood the space with natural light while providing seamless indoor-outdoor access to the expansive yard. At the far end of the living area is a custom steel fireplace and a large black built-in media wall that contrasts with the bright white walls and light-wood flooring.
Modern kitchen of the Bridlemile Residence he kitchen features a bold, high-contrast palette that defines the home's "modern craftsman" aesthetic. Full-height, custom matte black cabinetry with a vertical wood grain provides extensive storage and a dramatic backdrop. A large, monolithic island is topped with recycled black quartz countertops, serving as a functional workspace and social hub. Wide-plank white oak flooring adds organic warmth and balances the dark architectural elements.
The powder room wall mounted sink with a single-handle brushed-gold wall-mounted faucet is paired with a matching gold towel ring, adding a touch of refined warmth to the monochromatic palette.
The entry, as seen through the trees, of the front of the home. Clad in white stucco, punctuated by bold black accents. The roof has a black standing-seam metal roof, which is both a modern design choice and a base for its energy-efficient solar power systems. The focal point of the facade is a large, matte black front door with a long, vertical silver handle. A matching black garage door is visible to the right.
the exterior patio of the Bridlemile Residence, a LEED Platinum, zero-energy custom home in Portland, Oregon. The patio is covered by a natural wood slatted ceiling with integrated recessed lighting. A portion of the roof transitions into a wooden pergola, allowing dappled sunlight to filter through. The home's exterior is clad in a dark, vertical metal paneling that provides a sharp, modern contrast to the warm wood of the ceiling.
Project Scope
Architecture, Construction, Whole-Home Renovation
Project Stats

Design: 6 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms | 4,717 square feet

Certification: LEED Platinum

Energy, Carbon Emissions and Indoor Air Quality:

pEUI (projected energy use intensity): -5.29 kBtu/sf/yr

Predicted annual energy savings: 118%

19.2-kilowatt rooftop photovoltaic system

Passive House design principles: Super-insulated with cellulose insulation, triple-pane windows, continuous air barrier, air source heat pump, CO2 heat pump hot water heater, heat pump space heating, energy recovery ventilator, closed combustion fireplace

Healthy Materials

Red List-free quartz countertops, FSC-certified cedar cladding

Collaboration: Photos by George Barberis, video by Keebee Studios

Project Description

Once a cavernous, chateau-inspired 1940s house, the Bridlemile Residence has been transformed into a bright, bold, sustainable home filled with natural light and updated with modern detailing and functionality.

Having been in the family for generations, the house held deep sentimental value for our clients. They wanted to preserve its distinctive character while thoughtfully integrating modern amenities, including smart home technology, rooftop photovoltaic panels, and high-efficiency mechanical systems.

Health, comfort and energy performance guided every design decision. We transformed the structure into a super-insulated, airtight home that delivers exceptional comfort and efficiency while honoring its history. To achieve this, we preserved much of the original structure, including the exposed heavy-timber trusses. Painting the trusses black lent a dramatic quality to the vaulted spaces. From the stained woodwork and recycled-quartz counters to the custom steel fireplace and barn doors, the color black became an essential tool to offset the bright whites of this modern home.

The open floor layout creates an expansive space for hosting large weekend gatherings and spending quality time with family. The 22-foot-long accordion door, in conjunction with the 15-foot-long triple-pane skylight, ensures ample natural daylight and views within the great room, while the south-facing awnings protect these spaces from overheating during the summer months.

White stucco clads most of the home, with black accents in the Japanese architectural style of shou sugi ban featured between the large-aperture windows and doors. This limited exterior palette, coupled with the sleek photovoltaic panels on its black metal roof, creates a simple yet strong exterior aesthetic that harmonizes with the home’s black-and-white interiors.