SHED Revives a Mid-Century House in Portland With Japanese Minimalism

Nestled in a serene, forested enclave of Portland, Oregon, the Mori House merges mid-century modern architecture with contemporary minimalist sensibilities. Originally designed in 1963 by Saul Zaik, a revered figure in Pacific Northwest architecture, this home has been thoughtfully reimagined by SHED Architecture & Design to meet the aesthetic and functional needs of its new owners: a young family with a passion for design.

A modern, dark wood house surrounded by trees, featuring large windows and a wraparound deck.

Set on a sloped, wooded lot, the Mori House makes a striking yet understated statement. The property includes a detached garage and studio, along with a teahouse pavilion, accessible via elevated decks. These elements, framed by towering trees, create a peaceful retreat that prioritizes connection with the natural environment.

Modern house with large glass windows surrounded by dense green trees, showcasing an interior with wooden furniture and artwork.

Zaik’s original blueprint was a celebration of mid-century modern design, marked by clear geometries and the use of organic materials. The current remodel extends this vision, weaving in Japanese-inspired minimalism. SHED’s approach preserves the house’s architectural integrity while enhancing light, space, and the fluidity between indoors and outdoors.

View of a modern house with large glass windows, surrounded by trees. Inside, a table and chairs are visible.

A dark wooden house with large windows and a central glass door, surrounded by blooming pink flowers and tall trees.

Central to the redesign is the transformation of the vertical circulation. The removal of the original spiral staircase and loft unveils a dramatic vaulted ceiling, showcasing a nail-laminated wood roof that draws attention to a new central skylight. This skylight, a focal point of the home, infuses the living spaces with soft, natural light and highlights the structural rhythm of the house.

View through a wooden door into a bright interior with wooden ceilings, large windows, and a yellow umbrella on a bench in the entryway.

A modern living room with a wooden ceiling, large window with a forest view, gray sofa, orange chair, fireplace, and a minimalist decor.

On the main floor, the living, dining, and kitchen areas flow seamlessly along the southern axis, framed by expansive glazing that opens to the forest. A newly positioned fireplace anchors the living room, offering panoramic views that extend to Mount Saint Helens on clear days.

A modern living room with a leather sling chair and small round table facing large windows overlooking a forest. A wooden ceiling and rug add warmth to the space.

Modern living room with wooden ceiling, skylights, and minimal decor. A gray sofa with a colorful blanket faces two framed artworks on a white wall.

A modern living room with a gray sofa, a pink round ottoman, a minimalist painting on a white wall, and a small bar with bottles visible through a wooden frame cutout.

A modern interior with a high wooden-beamed ceiling, minimalist decor, two paintings on the wall, a plant, and a round pink ottoman.

A man, woman, and child sit at a wooden dining table inside a house with large windows showing a forest view.

A modern kitchen with wooden cabinetry and ceiling, a central island, and large window overlooking greenery. A wooden dining table with chairs is in the foreground.

The kitchen’s design enhances functionality while celebrating craftsmanship, with custom fir accents and thoughtfully placed windows that connect the space to the landscape. A horizontal window runs along one wall above the cooktop displaying framed views of mature rhododendrons.

A modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, a black countertop, and a large window. A tray with oranges sits on the island.

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, black countertop, gas stove, coffee maker, kettle, and decorative items on open shelf. Large window with greenery outside.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets and a large window showcasing green foliage. Black countertop with a stove, pot, and bowls. Wooden ceiling adds warmth to the space.

A bedroom with a wooden ceiling, large windows overlooking trees, a bed with dark bedding, a leather chair, a nightstand with a plant, and a pair of slippers on the floor.

The primary suite, positioned on the northern side of the house, embodies serene luxury. Featuring a walk-in closet and an elegant bathroom complete with a Japanese soaking tub, it combines comfort with understated elegance. Fir slats above the suite’s entry doors subtly diffuse light, maintaining a connection to the skylight above.

Modern bathroom with wooden accents, large mirror, black countertop, glass shower partition, and black floor tiles.

Modern bathroom with wooden cabinets, a black countertop, a large mirror reflecting a wooden ceiling and slats, and a window with a view of green trees.

A wooden bathtub with a gray towel draped over the edge is positioned by large windows, offering a view of trees. The room has tiled walls and a ceiling light.

A living room with large glass doors overlooking greenery. It has a green couch, a patterned rug, a round ottoman, a wooden rocking toy, and books on the floor.

The renovation also enhances the lower level, turning it into a versatile space for family life. Three flexible rooms – suitable as bedrooms, offices, or fitness areas – accompany a shared bath and a dedicated wine cellar. A cozy lounge, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a tranquil space for relaxation, reinforcing the home’s strong bond with its natural surroundings.

Bathroom interior with a freestanding bathtub, gray tile walls, a towel hanging, and a large window revealing a view of a lush, green forest.