SUNDOWN CANYON RESIDENCE

Custom Residential - Terrebone, Oregon

Perched above the dramatic Deschutes River canyon in Central Oregon, the Sundown Canyon Residence is a single-family home designed to provide flexible living spaces that celebrate the surrounding landcape. Situated on a high desert plateau with expansive views of the canyon to the north and rugged rock outcrops to the south, the home responds directly to the unique topography and climate of Crooked River Ranch. 

With wildfire risk a constant consideration in the area, the design embraces a resilient strategy that incorporates defensible space, fire-resistant materials, and passive environmental features suited to the region’s hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters.

The home is organized into two distinct structures: a main building that contains the primary bedroom suite, open-concept kitchen, dining, and living areas; and a detached casita with two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a kitchenette. This flexible second structure offers space for guests, a home office, or an art studio. Its separation from the main house also contributes to energy efficiency—allowing the flex space to remain unconditioned when not in use. 

Between the two volumes, a large covered outdoor living space acts as a central gathering zone and thermal buffer, providing year-round functionality—shading the building from the summer heat while creating a sheltered environment throughout the snowy winter months. This transitional space expands the usable footprint of the home and provides dramatic, framed views to both the Deschutes River canyon to the north and the rocky outcrops to the south.

Exterior materials were selected for durability, fire resistance, and regional appropriateness. The home features a standing-seam metal roof and a mix of corrugated metal and fiber cement siding, offering a low-maintenance exterior envelope that resists ember ignition and harsh weather conditions. Tempered glazing, extended overhangs, and minimized vent openings further enhance the home’s resilience to wildfire while improving energy performance. The surrounding landscape is intentionally low-fuel, with rock mulch, native drought-tolerant plants, and carefully managed defensible zones that align with Oregon’s wildfire mitigation guidelines.

Comfort and sustainability are equally prioritized through passive measures. Generous north-facing glazing captures indirect light and frames canyon views while avoiding excessive solar gain. High-performance insulation, cross-ventilation, and an airtight building envelope support low-energy comfort throughout the year. Radiant concrete floors provide steady, efficient heating in the winter while contributing to the home’s thermal mass, enhancing temperature stability throughout daily swings. 

The Sundown Canyon Residence exemplifies Campfire Collaborative’s commitment to designing with place, purpose, and permanence. It is a modern, adaptable home that meets the challenges of the site while celebrating the beauty and resilience of this high desert Oregon landscape.