NW Birkendene Street, Portland, OR

A House within a House

Tucked up in the hills of NW Portland, this home had an ample two story crawlspace underneath it, just empty of space enveloped by the home’s existing siding. The answer to the homeowner’s desire for additional space, build it under the existing house. Adding approximately 1500 new square feet of living space, the bottom level would be dedicated for entertainment on the lowest exterior deck of the home. It would contain a “wet bar” kitchen for cooking, powder room for guests, and large storage room for their active lifestyle goodies (kayaks, ski equipment, etc.). The next level up would house a guest bedroom, guest bathroom, and TV recreation room with entry to the existing home.

The construction had its complications in retrofitting a house within a home. For ultimate technology the new space have their own HVAC system, LifeBreath Ventilator, Electronic Purifier, sound surround, and many tricked-out creature comfort items. An abundance of recessed can lights throughout the spaces keep it looking bright and light along with exterior windows where they could be incorporated into the build.

Some of the great finish features of the guest bathroom is the curb less (walk in) shower (no glass door) encased with 2”x6” Carrara Marble wrapped onto the outside wall, with a hand held sprayer and ceiling rain head – luxury all the way. The double sink vanity with matching linen storage closet is painted in a “Dove” color. Tiled flooring is a replicated wood look.

Solid ¾” Bamboo wide plank “Mocha” flooring was installed throughout the living spaces including the staircase that connects the two new floor levels. Custom post wraps, and custom staircase newel posts with slight tapering were made to replicate the existing home’s. The additional spaces not only add value to the home but has solved the homeowners’ issues of having space for their lifestyle.