Modern cedar-clad bathhouse with black-framed windows and a patio with benches, surrounded by greenery.

A modern bathhouse with cedar cladding, black-framed windows, and a black metal roof. A patio with a long table and benches is surrounded by lush greenery.

Story

A cedar-clad sanctuary in Portland's historic Alameda neighborhood In the heart of Portland's Alameda neighborhood, a century-old carriage house has been reimagined by Ment Architecture into a high-end bathhouse that marries modernity with timelessness. The Alameda Bathhouse thoughtful design, offering a serene retreat tailored for the Pacific Northwest's cold, wet climate. Wrapped in custom-profile clear cedar rainscreen siding, the structure exudes warmth, with hidden gutters and downspouts preserving its clean lines. Black-framed windows and doors punctuate the cedar facade, complemented by a crisp black metal roof. The landscape, crafted by Planterra Design, enriches the architectural experience with a dense tapestry of textures. A bluestone patio extends the interior spaces into the garden, anchored by an outdoor table and benches amidst lush plantings of hakone grass, sword ferns, foamflower, and hydrangeas. This verdant setting evolves with the seasons, providing a dynamic backdrop to the bathhouse's minimalist form. Inside, the atmosphere shifts to a darker, more intimate palette, with black-stained wood enveloping the walls and ceilings. Reeded glass softly diffuses light, ensuring privacy while maintaining a connection to the outside. The bathhouse comprises a sauna, steam room, oversized shower, and a social space with a kitchenette, all designed for both relaxation and social gatherings. Hidden lighting accentuates the rich textures of timber, concrete, and stone, creating a cocoon-like ambiance that is both luxurious and inviting.

Design Highlights

Cedar-clad exterior with hidden gutters and black metal roof Triple-paned European windows for thermal and acoustic comfort Lush landscaping with seasonal plantings Interior palette of black-stained wood and reeded glass Sauna, steam room, and social gathering space

Key Facts

Location Portland, Oregon, USA
Architect Ment Architecture
Landscape Planterra Design
Contractor NWCF Corp
Year Completed 2023

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Exterior: Custom-profile clear cedar rainscreen siding with black-framed windows and a black metal roof.
  • Interior: Dark-stained wood walls and ceilings, creating a cocoon-like atmosphere.

Materials

  • Cedar — Exterior cladding
  • Metal — Roof
  • Glass — Windows and doors
  • Bluestone — Patio surface
  • Concrete — Interior flooring

Construction / Systems

  • Facade system: Cedar rainscreen siding with hidden gutters and downspouts.
  • Windows and doors: Triple-paned European windows and doors for thermal and acoustic comfort.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Warm timber tones, Black accents
  • Lighting: Soft glow through reeded glass, hidden lighting highlights textures

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