Mill House
Architect: Geoffrey April
Project Type: Residential
Project Location: Bend, OR
Structural Engineer: Ashley Vance Engineering
Contractor: Deschutes Custom Homes
Interior Design: House of Milo
Status: In-Construction
Located on a corner lot in Bend’s historic Old Mill District, the Old Mill Residence reinterprets the language of early craftsman and millworker homes through a refined, modern lens.
The project replaces an existing home while retaining and repurposing a rare basement condition—an uncommon feature in Bend—creating additional living space for extended family and long-term flexibility. This lower level expands the home’s program while maintaining a modest, neighborhood-scaled presence above.
The architecture is rooted in familiarity. A generous covered porch with vaulted ceilings establishes a welcoming threshold, while the interior unfolds into a main vaulted living space that connects directly back to the outdoors. The plan is intentionally simple and highly livable—designed to feel comfortable for daily life while accommodating larger gatherings with ease.
Material selections balance warmth and durability. A natural-stained cedar exterior and standing seam metal roof anchor the home within its Central Oregon context, while interiors are defined by white oak flooring and casework, paired with Taj Mahal quartz countertops and zellige tile in kitchens and bathrooms. A double-sided stone fireplace serves as the central organizing element—providing both visual and spatial continuity across the main living areas.
The result is a modern craftsman home in Bend, Oregon that feels both rooted and contemporary—an architecture shaped by neighborhood character, material honesty, and a focus on everyday living.