5432 NE 32ND AVE

A rare opportunity to own a bespoke work of architecture nestled in the Alberta Arts district. Conceived and meticulously resolved by architect Mark Holmquist—raised in Germany and Portland, Harvard-trained, and a former associate partner at Foster + Partners (of Apple Park fame)—this modern-day Gesamtkunstwerk was recently selected for the AIA Portland Homes Tour and AIASF Design Awards. As if carved from a single block of cedar, the faceted pair of townhouses are made distinct through a series of geometric sleights of hand. Slipping one past the other, an unorthodox offset creates two reciprocal, lushly planted outdoor ‘rooms’. A thickened party wall—expressed as a notch where the buildings lightly touch—conceals plentiful built-in storage, a critical acoustic decoupling, and allows for an unusually generous south-facing window wall. Upper decks, like the hollows of a tree, offer territorial views shrouded from the sidewalk below. The cascading steps of the front porch, paired with a dramatically cantilevered soffit above, welcome visitors in—a nod to Portland’s bungalow vernacular. At the foyer, this compression gives way to the first glimpse of a gossamer stair, suspended from the roof above and threading all three levels in a continuous volume washed in light. Living, dining, and kitchen occupy the main split-level, with two bedrooms and baths on the 2nd. A vaulted, open 3rd floor offers the flexibility of ample additional living space, including a third bedroom. The palette is warm and natural, the finish details refined, and tactile. Solid white oak floors and millwork throughout balance a sleek, velvety European chef’s kitchen with polished concrete underfoot. Only the two full baths—charcoal-hued retreats—depart from the airy theme. Guided by passive house principles, the homes are exceptionally energy efficient—and thanks to integrated rooftop solar, nearly net-zero. Built for comfort, longevity, and inspiration—designed as if for the architect themselves. [Home Energy Score = 10. HES Report at https://rpt.greenbuildingregistry.com/hes/OR10246489]