Hood River, Oregon | World Wildlife Fund’s First Fully FSC-Certified Home
Built on a sloped infill lot overlooking the Columbia River, Hood River—known locally as The Birdhouse—was designed for a family of four seeking a modern, health-focused, and resilient home within walking distance of downtown. The three-story residence is oriented to capture sweeping views of the river to the north and to create sheltered outdoor spaces on each level, extending the living environment year-round.
A dedicated home office and workshop enable both parents to work comfortably from home, while a lower-level Accessory Dwelling Unit provides independent living space for the owners’ parents. A neighboring garden lot to the east allows the family to grow their own food, reinforcing the project’s ethos of self-sufficiency.
Throughout the home, the design prioritizes wellness, durability, and thoughtful craft — a balance of high-performance building science and warm, modern livability.
Acclaim
Hood River holds the distinction of being the World Wildlife Fund’s first fully FSC-certified single-family home in the United States, a milestone in sustainable residential design.
Its performance has been verified through multiple third-party certifications, including Earth Advantage Zero Energy Certification, Earth Advantage Green Building Platinum, and Energy Trust of Oregon’s top Energy Performance Score (0). The home’s high-performance envelope, triple-pane windows, and ultra-efficient systems result in an annual consumption of 11,834 kWh/year, entirely offset by on-site solar generation.
These recognitions highlight the project’s successful integration of rigorous science, environmental stewardship, and enduring family-centered design.
