Editor’s Note: Welcome to Portland Monthly’s “Property Watch” column, where we take regular looks at interesting homes in Portland’s super-competitive real estate market (with periodic ventures to the burbs and points beyond, for good measure). This week: a contemporary home in SW Portland with outdoor access from just about every room. Got a home you think would work for this column? Get in touch at [email protected].

Perhaps we should think of this as the modern counterpoint to last week’s French Renaissance condo. Whereas that listing had all of the swoops, and gold-leaf fleur-de-lis of its 1913 construction, this one, having been built in 2017, is decidedly contemporary. It sits low and linear on its .46-acre lot, with a surprise reveal at the rear: two levels of covered outdoor spaces yielding to a nice big expanse of lawn. 

The exterior is definitely different for the neighborhood, as the body of the home is wrapped in fiber cement panels, as well as cedar that’s been given a Shou Sugi Ban treatment. That’s a traditional Japanese technique for weatherproofing wood by charring it to a rich black, then cooling, cleaning, and sealing it. Beneath all that, there’s a tightly sealed envelope and four inches of insulation, which should keep the home more energy efficient than normal, complemented by a standing seam metal roof and radiant floor heating system. 

The interior is quite sharp, with white walls and concrete floors, overseen by large expanses of windows and glass doors, all trimmed in black walnut. The main floor has an open living, dining, and kitchen plan, with two expansive sliding glass doors that can be opened to the elements. The living spaces are bookended by the principal suite on one end, and a covered outdoor living room on the other. Downstairs, there’re two bedrooms and a shared bath with tiled walk-in shower, as well as a sizable family room with fireplace and glass wall framing the backyard.  

Upon a closer look, everything’s been designed for easy connection between inside and out. Every bedroom has outdoor access via a large glass door. A glass railing lines the balcony that runs the length of the building, so as not to obscure the views of the surrounding trees, which make the whole place feel nice and private. And the outdoor living room is set up for any season: ceiling fans, a heater, and a built-in kitchen with grill, sink, and fridge. Just bring the lounge chairs.  

Listing Fast Facts:  

Address:  2712 SW Luradel St, Portland, OR 97219 

Size:  2,856 square feet/3 bedroom/3 bath 

List Date:  1/4/2022  

List Price:   $1,599,000 

Listing Agent:  Sue Hill-Sullivan and Matt Mahaffy, Windermere Realty Trust 

Melissa Dalton is a freelance writer who has focused on Pacific Northwest design and lifestyle since 2008. She is based in Portland, Oregon. Contact Dalton here.