Tweto Architecture
Vaulted attic living space with exposed Douglas Fir collar ties, skylights, and birch floors, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture, NE Portland

NE 9th Remodel

Remodel · Northeast Portland

This NE Portland remodel of a 1905 house included gutting and reconfiguring the attic level, finishing the basement, and the restoration of the original bay window which was covered by a large chimney. The existing attic was poorly finished and uncomfortable with low ceilings, no insulation, and three small maze-like rooms.

Contractor: AKOS Construction

The new design opened up the central space as a shared playroom / living space, with a small reading nook and access to the remodeled bathroom. A bedroom is located at each end of the space with built-in custom cabinetry for clothing storage. The entire attic was vaulted and the existing ceiling joists replaced with exposed, salvaged Douglas Fir collar ties. The attic roof and walls were carefully insulated and a new dedicated HVAC system keeps the new space efficient and comfortable. Two new skylights bring extra light into the central space and white-painted walls and birch flooring make the space a bright neutral space for the artistic family to display their artwork. A bright orange tile brings an unexpected warmth and playfulness to the remodeled attic bathroom.

The design for the basement includes two office / work spaces, a guest bedroom, and full bath, along with a bright, open utility space for storage and laundry. Polished concrete floors, bright painted walls, and maple woodwork keep the basement feeling bright and open. A robust insulation system keeps the finished basement space dry and comfortable.

A new, efficient heat pump hot water heater and heat pump HVAC system make the main house more efficient, comfortable, and all-electric. The new systems also allow for the removal of the existing service chimney that opens up the attic plan. A 6 kW solar installation on the south-facing roof makes the remodeled home near net-zero and resilient.

Vaulted attic family room looking toward the remodeled bathroom, exposed fir collar ties above, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
Attic living space with vaulted ceiling, two pendant lights, and built-in shelving beside the dormer niche, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
Attic children's bedroom with twin beds under vaulted ceiling and tree views through the window, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture, NE Portland
Dormer reading niche with window seat and flanking built-in shelves painted sage green inside, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
Existing attic plan and new attic plan side by side, showing two bedrooms with built-in storage and central family room, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
Attic bedroom with vaulted ceiling, exposed fir collar tie, and yellow-curtained window, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
Attic bathroom with floor-to-ceiling orange tile on the tub surround, white vanity, and round mirror, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
Attic bedroom showing built-in wardrobe cabinet and yellow curtains, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
Restored curved bay window with three sash windows and wood window seat in the main floor living room, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture, NE Portland
Existing basement plan and new basement plan side by side, showing finished offices, bedroom, bathroom, and utility space, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
Finished basement guest bedroom with carpet, maple doors, and view into the hall beyond, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
Finished basement office with polished concrete floor, high hopper window, and view through the open doorway to the stair hall, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
Basement bathroom with wall-mount sink, white subway tile, amber tile accent strip above the mirror, and glass shower visible in reflection, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
Basement bathroom vanity with wall-mount sink, white subway tile in a running bond pattern, and amber tile accent at the top, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
Maple stair with open railing leading from the polished concrete basement floor up toward the main level, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
Full-height white subway tile walk-in shower with glass door and amber tile accent niche, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
Close-up of wall-mount sink against white subway tile with maple counter ledge, glass shower visible in mirror reflection above, NE 9th Remodel by Tweto Architecture
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