A Hillside Retreat in Oregon That Blurs Daily Life and Landscape
Designed by Nahoko Ueda of Ueda Design Studio, this home is shaped as much by its site as by its program. Set high above Salem, the house stretches horizontally across the landscape, keeping a low, calm profile that follows the contours of the hills rather than dominating them.
The exterior architecture is defined by long rooflines, deep overhangs, and a restrained material palette of wood, concrete, steel, and glass. Solid volumes are balanced by expansive glazing, with a double-height glass core marking the center of the home and framing views toward the valley and distant mountains.
The approach is deliberately slow and choreographed, with the building revealing itself gradually along the winding driveway. Outdoor terraces, covered zones, and extended floor and ceiling planes blur the boundary between interior and exterior, reinforcing the idea of the house as a quiet retreat embedded in the landscape rather than a standalone object.
The living room is kept calm and intentional, with low-profile seating, built-in cabinetry, and a linear fireplace defining the space without competing with the views. Large glass walls frame the landscape as part of the interior, while concrete floors and wood ceilings create a quiet continuity between inside and out.
The kitchen and dining area are designed as one continuous space, centered around a dark wood island that anchors daily use and casual gatherings. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap the dining zone, turning meals into a landscape-facing experience, while the restrained cabinetry, integrated appliances, and clean ceiling lines keep the focus on views, light, and movement rather than decoration.
The bedroom is pared back and quiet, using dark wood, soft textiles, and filtered light to create a restful retreat focused on the view rather than decoration.
The primary bathroom balances warmth and precision, pairing wood cabinetry with light stone surfaces and integrated storage for a clean, calm feel.
The covered roof deck extends living outdoors, with a linear fireplace anchoring the space and framing long views into the surrounding forest.
Built-in window seating transforms circulation space into a usable nook, encouraging pause, play, and quiet interaction with the landscape.
The media room is intentionally enclosed and controlled, using indirect lighting and acoustics to contrast the openness of the main living areas.
Images: @ueda_design_studio @k7scott