Hoke House / Skylab Architecture

Architects: Skylab Architecture
Area: 4,800 ft²
Year: 2007
Photography: Jeremy Bittermann
Client: John and Karen Hoke
City: Portland, Oregon
Country: United States

The Hoke House, designed by Skylab Architecture in Portland, Oregon, responds to the challenges of a steeply sloped site by employing cantilevered volumes that reduce the building footprint while enhancing its connection to the surrounding Forest Park. Completed in 2007, the residence integrates advanced building systems with natural materials, creating a balance between technological precision and organic warmth. Expansive floor-to-ceiling openings connect the interior to a series of decks and patios, offering adaptable outdoor spaces that shift with changing light and seasonal conditions. Situated at the intersection of urban life and wilderness, the home creates a dynamic relationship between contemporary architecture and its forested environment. The Hoke House gained additional popularity after being featured in the “Twilight” movie and was even celebrated with a LEGO set: Twilight The Cullen House, highlighting its iconic design.

The Hoke House sits at the edge of Forest Park in Portland, Oregon, designed to establish a strong connection between the built environment and nature. The residence frames expansive views while maintaining a sense of enclosure, striking a balance between openness and protection. The steep terrain required an innovative approach, leading to a compact footprint supported by cantilevered living spaces, which enhance the experience of floating above the forest floor.

This structural strategy minimizes ground impact while creating fluid, interconnected interior spaces. The design merges technological advancement with natural materials, integrating cutting-edge building systems with tactile, organic textures. While featuring precise detailing, the home retains an intuitive and natural feel, with light interacting across warm surfaces and angular forms.

A network of decks and patios, linked to the interior through floor-to-ceiling openings, extends the living spaces outward. These outdoor areas are positioned to respond to different times of day and seasonal conditions, allowing occupants to either seek shelter or embrace natural elements as desired.

Balancing urban sophistication with deep integration into its forested surroundings, the Hoke House exemplifies a seamless architectural dialogue between contemporary design and nature, offering an immersive and adaptable living experience at the threshold of city and wilderness.