For this humble home for the Griffiths, Belluschi applied his signature Northwest modern style, using Douglas fir ceilings that extended beyond the exterior walls to create rain-protecting and shade-producing eaves. The plan, which was published in Life Magazine, could expand from one room to four as a family grew, and be built for around $7,000.
The couple lived in the rectilinear home with a sloped roof on Pine Valley Road for more than a half century. When Arthur sold the property after Lucy died, Tim Mather of MCM Construction dismantled it into 2,000 pieces, which he numbered and measured, and then moved the house to save it from being demolished.
via Architectural gem shines again: See Belluschi house saved from the wrecking ball (photos) | OregonLive.com.
The city of Portland is trying to encourage property owners to deconstruct, rather than demolish, unwanted buildings. It is launching a public process intended to promote deconstruction and to help advocates explain the advantages of a slow demolition, rather than one carried out in a day or two by a single worker on a backhoe. The City Council will hear a report on the subject in June.
via Gentler side of demolition: Deconstructors take houses apart, stick by stick | OregonLive.com.
Reclamation Administration: News and Research on Building Material Waste Prevention