site for the Royal 5
The newest venture for Robert Oshatz, Portland’s famed organic architect, is a project titled the “Royal 5”. There are 5 view lots located at the intersection of NW Skyline and Royal Blvd which Oshatz plans to sell, design and build 5 custom homes for some very lucky buyers.
You might be wondering why Oshatz doesn’t just design, build then sell his homes but according to his design approach he must first understand the clients needs and the function the home must provide:
“The starting point of my work is the clients program, so my first step is to divide the program into its functional and spiritual components. The program is more than just a set of functional requirements, technical space allocations and relationships. It should embody the emotional needs of the client/user.”*
The term “organic architecture” was used by and to describe Frank Lloyd Wrights approach to design. The idea of organic architecture refers not only to the buildings’ literal relationship to the natural surroundings, but how the buildings’ design is carefully thought about as if it were a unified organism. Oshatz had worked for and studied under Frank Lloyd Wright Jr and is a very accomplished architect.
“Just as there is no one answer to life’s problems, due to its complex and changing nature, there is no single solution to an architectural design challenge. With a myriad of past experiences within me, I try to clear my mind of previous solutions and preconceived notions and approach design intuitively.”*
These factors guarantee that each of these homes will be artistically unique and I am excited to see this project develop. These yet to be constructed homes are available for purchase, contact me if you would like more info on purchasing one of the Royal 5 homes.
Posts about Robert Oshatz:
Photos of other residential projects by Robert Oshatz:
Wilkinson Residence
*from the Oshatz website
These remind me of Bart Prince’s works as well as a house in Santa Barbara when we lived there in the mid-70’s.