![](/uploads/0118/1516318220986339/derived/c5019fee7f0fe3e132ac601aafde830d/FiveSquare_13_CourtesyLEVER.jpg)
Fivesquare Residence
Fivesquare simultaneously respects and transforms a single-family housing type prevalent in the early twentieth century in Portland. The project is a renovation of a 1910 “foursquare” house, a historic housing typology in the Northwest region. These houses are typically organized around two primary load-bearing walls that cross to create four symmetrical spaces on each floor. While simple and inexpensive to build, the living spaces in these houses lack hierarchy and a sense of generosity. The owners asked us to create a more open living environment and add a studio/work space in the unused attic area.
The design explores the tension between keeping the iconic reading of the house at the street and a contemporary approach at the roof. The attic space is transformed into the “fifth square,” a box-like structure that rises from the roof and is clad in sugi ban to integrate with the asphalt shingle roof.
![](/uploads/0118/1516315777711173/derived/79f80abee930713b923ff56a0dc80f90/FiveSquare_02_Bittermann.jpg)
![](/uploads/0118/1516316915967725/derived/ec628398ac9a90dc86b8b56c17a4912c/front_BW.jpg)
Existing Building
The design updates a typical "foursquare" bungalow with a full renovation throughout including an open plan layout on the main level and a new contemporary rooftop addition.
![](/uploads/0118/1516317457388509/derived/5d08c188b86a68103e56d5d714e1b7dc/IMG_4273.jpg)
![](/uploads/0118/1515456612343036/derived/4872c35d601a12eae9f1b7bec81a0ea2/FiveSquare_04_Bittermann.jpg)
![](/uploads/0118/1516317746353123/derived/d16af6b2342769e5eadf3309251a6a3d/FiveSquare_09_CourtesyLEVER.jpg)
The ground floor was completely configured and structurally reinforced to create a new open plan layout and modern kitchen.
![](/uploads/0118/1516317776380643/derived/179ae31c3433cc321c499dccddafba80/FiveSquare_10_CourtesyLEVER.jpg)
The new maple staircase leads to the contemporary rooftop studio.
![](/uploads/0118/1516317822782963/derived/40b57fa9c3888903285ab7b8710b96d8/FiveSquare_12_CourtesyLEVER.jpg)
![](/uploads/0318/1519947168482010/derived/900affbb4f2b91fd52789badee7e4914/FiveSquare_Plans3.jpg)
Ground Floor, Second Floor, Third Floor Plans
Legend: 1 Entry; 2 Living; 3 Kitchen; 4 Terrace; 5 Master Suite; 6 New Modern Stair; 7 Bedroom; 8 Study
![](/uploads/0118/1516318220986339/derived/33428b03ede4ea4ffacb81270febb83d/FiveSquare_13_CourtesyLEVER.jpg)
![](/uploads/0118/1516318360927041/derived/dc7d4f3f197acd369e6655ec2053dde3/FiveSquare_14_CourtesyLEVER.jpg)
![](/uploads/0118/1516318367196396/derived/8761866eb22cc3b10c0404554122a8b0/FiveSquare_15_CourtesyLEVER.jpg)
The distinct geometry of the windows is created by following the roof lines of the existing bungalow structure.
![](/uploads/0118/1515095455517356/derived/c0b72551a4ea3b57c36e48a1c9c6c1b8/FiveSquare_08_CourtesyLEVER.jpg)