Northwest Regional Style
Northwest Regional Style mid century modern home designed by Saul Zaik and Jack Shimshak 1963
The Northwest Regional Style was a popular building style in the Pacific Northwest from 1935 – 1960. The most notable characteristics of the Northwest Regional Style are wood framed construction reminiscent of a NW barn, siding, roofs that were often left unpainted, floor to ceiling glass windows to bring natural light in, open floor plans, low slung silhouettes to blend homes into their environment, and minimal decoration. Architects such as John Yeon, Pietro Belluschi, Van Bailey were credited with being the creators of this style. Conceptually, it was how these architects placed a structure into the landscape rather than building over the natural landscape.
Some of the characteristics of the Northwest Regional Style are making a comeback in popularity, specifically the use of unpainted wood, generous use of windows for natural light, and clean modern lines. Also, these structures are described as being “Dwell-inspired”, Westcoast Contemporary or Northwest Regionalism style.
