This residence on the Oregon Coast in Manzanita was designed to fit into harmony with nature. The house was strategically placed so that only one of the surrounding majestic Spruce trees needed to be removed, and we then used it for the home's central staircase spine. All landscaping was then restored to its full native state. All construction materials came from either fully sustainable or recycled sources. Wood beams from a local mill were left rough-cut to reduce the amount of energy put into processing them. Bamboo was then used on the floor and countertops for its sustainability. All surfaces were finished with non-toxic resins and the home uses a radiant floor heating system. Natural light floods each room, and windows were placed for majestic ocean views and to also serve as a passive ventilation system.

This townhome is in the 600-acre master-planned resort community "The Villages at Cascade Head" in Lincoln City. Careful site planning and selection of building materials, along with solar, wind, geothermal and other progressive passive and active energy concepts, earned this project rare "LEED Platinum" certification, the highest "green" certification possible in the residential real estate industry and one of only 4 residential projects nationally to earn this LEED rating.

Our experience in resort work lends itself well to Parks projects.  We involve the community, local artists, as well as the municipality’s officials in a collaborative effort to achieve a sense of place, interaction, and recreation.  Terraforma specializes in assisting small communities in building park structures that enhance the image of the community while promoting the sense of place.  Emphasis is given to working with the municipality, and citizens to reflect the spirit of the neighborhood while creating structures that are both durable, and timeless in their service to the public.

Nestled between two existing trees on the banks of the Nehalem River in the Nehalem Point residential development just south of Nehalem, Oregon, this small rustic vacation cottage blends into its surrounding native environment. The garage was downsized and separated from the house to reduce the overall mass of the home, and to environmentally save the surrounding trees. This post and beam structure was made entirely of salvaged timbers from a decommissioned lumber mill and cannery. No energy was expended on finishes, and they were cleaned and maintained in their natural state. Structural flooring was sanded and used as the finish floor, which used far less flooring and ceiling materials. All other finishes were toxin-free.

This residence was designed to compliment the knoll on which it sits. Its low profile and native landscaping will blend the structure into the land over time. Its exterior form is influenced from regional and historic sources. The home was designed as a stage for the owner's extensive collection of Japanese art. We took clues from Japanese Roykan architecture and divided the home into three separate buildings surrounded by individual landscaped courtyards. This greatly reduced the scale of the buildings and its effect on the knoll.All materials were from sustainable sources and have non-toxic finishes. Natural light, ventilation and passive solar heating and cooling further reduce this home's energy requirements.

Located on the Beach in Manzanita Oregon, this four bedroom luxury home takes full advantage of the tremendous Oregon coast views the site provides.  Designed in a contemporary Craftsman style, it attempts to reflect the rustic beauty of the region with the use of rough cut hand built timber trusses from recycled FSC certified forests.  The design also incorporates energy efficient daylighting and natural ventilation principles.  All appliances are “energy star” rated and heating is provided through a highly efficient, in-slab radiant sytem.

Home remodeling is one of our specialties.  Whether you are adding a deck, or doing an extreme makeover, we know how to best stretch your remodel dollar to get the highest return on your investment.  We can also help you get your permits and hire your contractor, if so desired.

Orenco Station Grill, located in Hillsboro Oregon, is a bar and grill located in the heart of the neoclassic planned unit development known as Orenco Station.  Careful planning and selection of materials to fit the “old world” setting was very important to the owner.  Local artist were employed for the mural and inlaid ceramic tile.  The furniture, booths, some of the wood work, and most of the kitchen equipment, was salvaged from another restaurant.