Portland Courtyard Housing
Portland,
Oregon
Location
Homes + Neighborhoods
Project type
Advisory +
Concept Design
Role
The Portland Courtyard Housing Project is a forward-looking design competition entry that reimagines multi-family living for a denser, more community-oriented urban environment. The scheme emphasizes green space, playful design, and climate-responsive architecture, reflecting the city’s commitment to livable, family-friendly neighborhoods.
Challenge
The City of Portland sought innovative multi-family housing prototypes that could increase density while supporting active, healthy lifestyles for children and families. The challenge was to balance efficient land use with generous outdoor space, promote community interaction, and respond to the local climate, all within a cohesive and visually engaging design.
Solution
SCR’s design, recognized with a jury commendation, limits automobile access to one half of the site, freeing the remaining area for communal greenspace, courtyards, and play areas. The housing units are carefully arranged to foster connection and privacy, while forms, materials, and color palettes respond to Portland’s rainy climate. Vibrant textures and playful accents enliven the architecture, creating a cheerful, engaging environment for residents of all ages.
Materials + Craft
The project incorporates durable, climate-appropriate materials that ensure long-lasting performance while supporting the overall aesthetic of the development. Thoughtful attention to scale, color, and texture brings a sense of joy and tactility to the units, while the expansive greenspaces encourage outdoor activity, community engagement, and a connection to nature. The result is a multi-family housing prototype that balances density, livability, and design excellence, providing a model for future courtyard developments in Portland.
