Sabin

A classic 1920s Portland Craftsman gets a much needed exterior makeover.

Situated in the inner Northeast Portland neighborhood of Sabin, this project was a diamond in the rough, just waiting to be polished. The removal of the original front steps and failing retaining wall, as well as the overgrown plantings provided a clean slate to start from.

The new front entry was designed to create a wide, welcoming feeling, while still complementing the scale of the existing architecture. Through careful collaboration during the construction process, integrated recessed landscape lighting was precisely placed to blend seamlessly with the hardscaping.

A plant palette of drought tolerant, informal plants was chosen to act as a visual contrast to the structured hardscaping and two-tone black house paint. Quick growing ornamental grasses provide an almost instant meadow feeling, buying time while the drought tolerant shrubs mature, lending a sense of substance to the plantings.