Rock Creek Residence

Size:7,660 sf
Location:Sheridan, OR
Designed By:
  • Architect: Kempel Architects
  • General Contractor: Cowan Construction
  • Lighting: KGM Architectural Lighting
  • Structural: BK Engineers
  • Mechanical: McCann Engineers
  • Interior Designer: Design Line Studios | Alana Homesley
  • Photographer: Eric Staudenmaier

Rooted in California Mid-century modern design, this Oregon wine country home blends clean lines, natural materials, and a deep connection to the landscape. Thoughtfully sited for sweeping 270-degree views, it features two wings joined by a glass entry and a three-story library stair. Skylights, clerestories, and covered porches bring light and nature in year-round. Locally sourced stone and wood create a warm, honest palette that complements the surroundings. Designed with care, this modern retreat offers a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.

Modern wood-clad home nestled among tall evergreen trees on a hillside with manicured lawn and patio.
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Modern home entrance with glass pivot doors, cedar siding, steel planters, and concrete patio connecting indoor-outdoor spaces.
entryway cast iron

Born out of our client’s appreciation for California Mid-century modern architecture, this residence reflects the style’s clean simplicity and integration with nature. The home is set into a picturesque backdrop of Oregon’s wine country, with 270-degree views of layered forests and grand valley vistas.

Careful consideration is given to the home’s siting to take full advantage of the dramatic landscape, natural daylight, and the classic mid-century emphasis of bringing the outdoors in.

The home is organized as two separate wings, connected by a stunning glass entry volume. At its heart is a three-story library stairwell providing the elevated experience of reading platforms for our clients to feel perched in the natural outdoors and comfortable indoors. The many covered porches afford places to enjoy outdoor living while admiring the breathtaking views.

Open-concept living space with beige sofas, wood ceiling, modern lighting, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow to patio.
great indoor lighting
Modern living room with wood ceiling, black steel beams, sputnik chandeliers, and windows framing nature views
Modern living room with wood ceiling, stone fireplace, built-in window seats, and molecular chandelier in custom home
Modern living room with olive sofa, built-in wood shelving, and open sightlines to kitchen and outdoor spaces beyond

Honesty of materials is seen in the palette of locally quarried natural stone and wood used throughout the house. Skylights and mid-century clerestories are strategically placed to take full advantage of diffuse natural daylight, even in the often-bleak winter months of the Pacific Northwest.

Rigor and thoughtful care dictate the design of this warm, modern gem set in the Oregon countryside.

Rethinking the Future Awards

2023 Rethinking the Future Awards

Global Architecture and DesignRunnerup

The rethinking the future design award highlights our dual wing design, three story library staircase and the home’s midcentury modern heritage.

Cozy Up In This Northwest Home With Cinematic Views Of The Landscape

Cozy Up In This Northwest Home With Cinematic Views Of The Landscape

LUXE INTERIOR + DESIGNNovember 2021

Modern Northwest home by Christopher Kempel blends glass, concrete u0026 cedar to frame forest and valley views with warm, inviting interiors.

Modern kitchen with walnut cabinetry, white countertops, island dining table, and large windows overlooking forest
Modern kitchen with walnut cabinetry, white countertops, and large windows overlooking natural landscape
Modern home bar with wooden cabinets, floating shelves, espresso machine, and built-in wine and beverage refrigerators
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Modern home with open sliding glass doors connecting covered dining area to outdoor terrace with mountain views
Covered outdoor dining terrace with wood furniture, woven pendant light, and expansive valley views framed by modern architecture
Covered outdoor deck with modern fireplace, wood furniture with gray cushions, and forest views beyond cable railing.
a caption about the outside
Modern bedroom with wood ceiling, built-in window seat, mountain views, and natural materials creating indoor-outdoor connection.
Modern reading nook with leather chair, ottoman, round mirror, and wood ceiling near window with natural light
Cozy window seat nook with cushions and pillows overlooking lush green forest through large picture window
Ballet tutu and pointe shoes hanging on a barre in a modern room with natural light and warm LED accent lighting.
Floating wooden stairs against concrete wall with natural light filtering through horizontal slats
Modern entryway with walnut storage cabinet, slate tile flooring, and wall-mounted coat hooks on concrete panel
Modern entryway with wooden cabinet, white orchid, and large window framing wooded landscape beyond
Modern dining room with walnut table, statement chandelier, and open kitchen featuring wood cabinetry and concrete walls
Modern home theater with large projection screen, dark gray sectional sofa, and wood-paneled walls with integrated kitchenette
Modern two-story home at dusk with horizontal siding, floor-to-ceiling windows, and landscaped courtyard surrounded by tall evergreens.
Modern glass-walled home at dusk with warm wood ceilings, concrete planters, and panoramic forest views.
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Modern multi-level home with horizontal wood siding nestled among tall evergreen trees at dusk with warm interior lighting