The Mori House Renovation by SHED Architecture: A Modern Revival of Mid-Century Design

Originally designed by the renowned Pacific Northwest architect Saul Zaik in 1963, The Mori House has been meticulously renovated by SHED Architecture & Design to preserve its mid-century modern charm while introducing contemporary elements of design. Located on a gently sloped, forested site in Portland, Oregon, this 3,715-square-foot house offers a harmonious blend of East-meets-Pacific Northwest modernism.

The renovation honors the legacy of Saul Zaik’s design while reimagining the home for a young, minimalist family who sought to maximize natural light, enhance views of the forest, and create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Site and Context

Nestled in a serene forest setting on Portland’s west end, The Mori House is positioned off a quiet road, offering privacy and tranquility. The property includes a detached garage and studio, along with elevated decks that provide access to a detached tea house pavilion. This connection to the surrounding landscape is a defining characteristic of the renovation, ensuring the house remains firmly rooted in its natural environment.

Design Vision

The renovation’s design vision was informed by the owners’ admiration for Saul Zaik’s work and their desire for a minimalist aesthetic that integrates clean lines, natural materials, and modernist principles. The project’s primary goals included enhancing natural light, reconfiguring circulation with a new stair system, and improving the usability of outdoor spaces.

Interior Layout and Program

The Mori House renovation features a reimagined interior layout that enhances the functionality of its spaces. On the main floor, the living, dining, and kitchen areas are arranged along the south side of the house, maximizing light and views of the forest. The primary suite occupies the north side, separated by a central skylight that floods the home with soft, filtered light.

A custom-designed switchback staircase replaces the original spiral staircase, creating a dynamic architectural feature that connects the upper and lower levels. The lower walkout level includes three flexible bedrooms, a bathroom, a hangout space, a wine cellar, and a laundry area. These spaces are designed to adapt to the family’s changing needs, serving as bedrooms, home offices, or workout rooms.

Key Design Features

The renovation emphasizes the home’s connection to its natural surroundings through thoughtful design details. A horizontal window above the kitchen cooktop frames views of mature rhododendrons, while a floor-to-ceiling glass dining nook offers direct access to the existing deck and tea house pavilion.

In the living room, the fireplace has been relocated to create a focal point that orients seating towards the forest and Mount Saint Helens on clear days. The former fireplace area now houses a built-in bar and tech closet, adding functionality to the space.

The primary suite introduces innovative design elements, such as fir slats above the doors that allow light to flow into the hallway and bathroom. The spacious primary bathroom features a Japanese soaking tub, a custom vanity, and transom windows that borrow light from the central skylight.

Integration of Light and Materiality

One of the renovation’s standout features is the nail-laminated wood roof, which extends to the central skylight. This design element not only enhances the structural and spatial clarity of the home but also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Wood plays a central role in the renovation, serving as a unifying material throughout the home. Fir slats define the switchback stair volume, while custom-built features, such as the dining bench and primary bathroom vanity, highlight the craftsmanship of the design.

The skylight serves as a connective element, providing natural light to all upper-level rooms and creating a visual link between the home’s spaces. On the lower level, floor-to-ceiling glazing ensures a seamless connection to the forested landscape, further blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors.

A Modern Tribute to Mid-Century Design

The Mori House renovation by SHED Architecture & Design is a masterful example of how mid-century modern architecture can be reimagined for contemporary living. By respecting the original design while incorporating modern elements, the project achieves a perfect balance of form, function, and context.

This thoughtful renovation not only preserves the architectural legacy of Saul Zaik but also creates a timeless home that celebrates natural light, materiality, and the beauty of its forested surroundings.

All Photographs are work of Rafael Soldi, SHED Architecture & Design