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An engineer’s dream home, reshaped with care for his longtime love

3119 SW Gale Ave, Portland OR 97239

Photos: Jones Media Shop

Styling: Vetiver Street

Today in the Studio

Designed by the architectural team of York and Yodgawa and originally built for
H. Chik M. Erzurumlu, a structural engineer and longtime Portland State professor, this home reflects a clear understanding of how space, light, and structure come together over time. When his wife fell ill, an elevator was added to connect each floor and the garage, allowing them to remain in the home they had created together.

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Set at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this one-of-a-kind home is grounded in its setting, balancing open outlooks with a sense of privacy among the surrounding trees.

Natural light pours through expansive windows, including a dramatic two-story living room with floor to ceiling glass that frames Mt. St. Helens and layered views. A series of levels, loft space, and decks create moments for gathering and retreat, with a dedicated formal dining area positioned to take in the forest outlook. The kitchen is complete with Bertazzoni oven and Bosch refrigerator. A vaulted cedar ceiling brings warmth and scale to the main living areas, complemented by a gas fireplace, 4-inch oak floors underfoot, and custom cabinetry that carries throughout the home. Bathrooms are finished in imported travertine and Ann Sacks tile.

The lower level is dedicated to three bedrooms, each with generous picture windows that look directly into the surrounding forest. The loft, complete with a wet bar and private deck, offers a more tucked away place to retreat, with generous storage thoughtfully integrated.

With a high efficiency gas furnace, a whole house generator, and low maintenance grounds, the home is as considered in function as it is in feeling. In a setting where multi-level homes are often the norm, the elevator to every level, including the garage, offers long term ease and flexibility, all just moments from OHSU, nearby parks, trailheads, and a quick connection into the city.

Built in

1974

Floor plan

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