The Pacific Northwest is a very unique area, and the architecture is no different. From Portland to Seattle, there are several unique homes all throughout the region. With theSeattle Modern Home Tour this weekend (get $5 off your online ticket purchase), it is time to brush up on a few of the most unique architectural styles found throughout the region.
Midcentury Modern
Of course, the PNW is filled with plenty of Midcentury Modern homes and design features. This style of architecture was trendy from the 1940s through the mid-1960s throughout the area. Many unique homes found in Portland, Seattle, and the surrounding regions offer a look at Midcentury Modern architecture including A-frame homes.
Blurring the Line Between Inside and Outside
The natural elements of the PNW region offer the perfect opportunity for home designers to blur the line between inside and outside. By using natural elements, such as stone, wood, and metal, along with walls of windows, the outside comes in and makes the home feel like it’s a part of nature. Well-known local architects such as Ralph Anderson were experts at this style of home.
Sustainable Design
The Pacific Northwest has been known as a very environmentally-friendly area for a very long time. Sustainable design is rather popular, and an architectural feature found throughout the region. It’s not uncommon to find homes made with salvaged wood or including a heat recovery ventilator. Any home feature considered to be environmentally-friendly is likely going to be seen throughout the architecture design of the PNW.
A Touch of Industrial Style
It shouldn’t be surprising that cities, such as Portland and Seattle feature homes with a bit of an industrial style woven into the design. Black iron metal framing, concrete floors, and other industrial features are commonly found throughout PNW homes.
Along with these architectural design features found throughout the Pacific Northwest, the region is also known for many other home designs including:
- Colonial Revival – A popular home design style found in the Pacific Northwest, Colonial Revival is found all throughout the area. The columns often give away these homes, along with the shuttered windows.
- Tudor Revival – Those seeking a home that looks a bit like it belongs in a fairytale will live the Tudor Revival style. It’s known for the steep-pitched roofs, arched entryways, and narrow windows.
- Houseboat or Floating Home – Due to the large bodies of water in the PNW, the Houseboat or Floating Home style is very popular. These homes are a bit alternative and often have a rather unique interior design.
- NW Modern – A style coming out of the modernist movement, NW Modern provides a Pacific Northwest twist on the modern style. One of those twists is an extended overhanging roof to protect the outdoor space. Additionally, this style of design offers a bit of a Japanese touch.
Finding the right home in the Pacific Northwest isn’t always easy, but with the right real estate agent, you can make the search efficient and effective. Search for an agent who specializes in the category of home you’re looking for, make sure that person has enough experience with the neighborhood or city you’re looking in, and ask as many questions as you need. Remember, whether you want to live in Portland, Seattle or another area of the PNW, you’ll have plenty of unique architectural design features and styles to choose from.