![A modern house with a partially covered patio with a wood burning fireplace.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/modern-house-with-covered-patio-fireplace-121222-1102-01.jpg)
William / Kaven Architecture has designed a modern home that sits on the east bank of the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon.
The main house and guest house form a one-story compound organized around a central courtyard, where a mature maple tree was preserved as the centerpiece.
![Inspired by the architects’ New Mexico origins, the main house and guest house form a one-story compound organized around a central courtyard, where a mature maple tree was preserved as the centerpiece.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/modern-house-architecture-121222-1105-02.jpg)
Materials like cedar, aluminum, and board-formed concrete are featured in the home’s exterior materials.
![Materials like cedar, aluminum, and board-formed concrete are featured in the home's exterior materials.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/modern-house-landscaping-pathway-121222-1105-03.jpg)
The sweeping panorama view of the river, its wildlife, and the Lake Oswego River Bridge can be enjoyed from an outdoor living area organized around a large wood-burning fireplace. The partially covered patio also includes a lounge area and a dining area, while steps lead down to the backyard.
![An outdoor living area organized around a large wood-burning fireplace. The partially covered patio also includes a lounge area and a dining area, while steps lead down to the backyard.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/modern-house-with-covered-patio-fireplace-121222-1102-04.jpg)
At night, the warm glow of the lights and fireplace create a cozy atmosphere for the outdoor space.
![At night, the warm glow of the lights and fireplace create a cozy atmosphere for the outdoor space.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/modern-house-with-covered-patio-fireplace-121222-1102-05.jpg)
Throughout the interior, the understated but sophisticated material palette includes exposed aggregate concrete floors, built-in fireplaces, chevron-patterned oak floors, and plaster walls.
![Throughout the interior, the understated but sophisticated material palette includes exposed aggregate concrete floors, built-in fireplaces, chevron-patterned oak floors, and plaster walls.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/modern-living-room-with-fireplace-and-orange-couch-121222-1103-06.jpg)
In the living room, bright orange couches face both the fireplace and the river view, as well as being open to the courtyard.
![In the living room, bright orange couches face both the fireplace and the river view, as well as being open to the courtyard.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/modern-open-plan-living-room-dining-kitchen-121222-1103-07.jpg)
The main open-plan social area has the dining table and chair separating the living room from the kitchen, where rift-sawn white oak cabinetry and Corian countertops are showcased.
![This modern kitchen features rift-sawn white oak cabinetry and Corian countertops.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/modern-wood-and-white-kitchen-121222-1103-08.jpg)
The home has secondary living rooms, like a smaller sitting room, and in the guest house.
![A modern living room with floor-to-ceiling windows.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/modern-living-room-121222-1104-10.jpg)
![The living room of a guest suite has views of the main house and courtyard.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/modern-interior-design-121222-1104-09.jpg)
In one of the bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows with black frames provide an uninterrupted view of the river.
![A modern bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/modern-bedroom-floor-to-ceiling-windows-121222-1104-11.jpg)
![A modern bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/modern-bedroom-interior-121222-1104-12.jpg)
There’s also a floor-to-ceiling window in the shower, however, privacy has been created by using a variety of plants.
![This modern shower has a floor-to-ceiling window that has privacy created by using plants.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/modern-shower-with-window-plants-121222-1104-13.jpg)