M1 House by FRPO Rodriguez & Oriol – Contemporary Sustainable Home in Bend, Oregon

M1 House, designed by FRPO Rodriguez & Oriol, is a stunning exploration of contemporary architecture harmoniously integrated with the unique landscape of Bend, Oregon. Completed in 2022, this 850 m² residence marks the first project in a series commissioned by Malaspina Design, a leader in sustainable housing on the West Coast of the United States. Lead architects Pablo Oriol and Fernando Rodríguez redefined the concept of a Pacific Northwest dream home, blending modern design with the natural environment.

Situated east of the Cascades, M1 House occupies a rare transitional zone where dense coniferous forests meet the semi-arid foothills of the Great Basin. The design responds directly to this duality, balancing the majestic mountain views with carefully curated domestic spaces that provide privacy and comfort. The house sits gently on the land, using a series of stepped platforms that follow the natural topography, creating fluid spatial arrangements and diverse visual experiences.

The residence features a single-floor layout organized around a central pine tree, forming a continuous ring that connects interior rooms with outdoor spaces. This central tree acts as the heart of the home, linking the interior living areas to the designed courtyard garden, enhancing the seamless relationship between the natural and domestic environments.

Architecturally, the house showcases a floating roof supported by cross-laminated timber structures and deep-edged beams. Timber-framed screens radially surround the perimeter, giving the roof a sense of buoyancy while facades are finished in champagne-toned aluminum panels. Traditional wooden framework systems clad in modified fir wood laths create a warm, tactile exterior, while terraced concrete floors house essential utilities discreetly beneath. The design also emphasizes natural light, transparency, and visual connections, highlighting the Pacific Northwest landscape in every direction.

M1 House stands as a model of sustainable contemporary architecture, demonstrating how residential design can respect and respond to the environment while offering elegance, functionality, and comfort.