Mann Residence | Tumalo, OR

The prospect of replacing a depleted home with a spectacular view over the Deschutes River

Canyon posed numerous challenges that would turn most people away.

But not Jackie and her husband, Ralph.

They felt an inner prompting that would resolve even greater challenges.

Concern for Jackie’s health suggested a form of healing that may result from living in an

environment of wholeness and beauty...perhaps a higher order of sustainability.

They bought the property and retained a professional team to create that special environment,

including our office for architectural services and Sun Forest Construction for project

development. From the outset, we generated a comprehensive mission for the project to build

an environment that was non-toxic and much more.

Empirical testing of building materials served to eliminate those that the owners felt were

energetically negative. In addition, we pursued renewable energy generation, effective

ventilation of indoor air and passive energy strategies to provide an indoor ecological

environment of healing and renewal that is consciously designed and

efficiently operated as an integrated ecosystem.

Architectural challenges spawned many innovative upgrades that brought the plan

to life with sweeping views over the canyon below. That perspective ultimately provided inspiration

and psychological healing that helped strengthen the immune system—by what we called

“environmental harmonics.” Balancing these conditions, while sitting over an old building

footprint to meet zoning requirements was a long journey from initial design through the final stages

of skillful buildout. The spectacular view of the canyon may have been a hidden gem that

enhanced that perspective and the related mindset. After its completion and move-in, the

owners acknowledged our design/build team for our exceptional service in

the realization of their extraordinary dream home.

Contractor: Sun Forest Construction | Bend, OR