Designed to maximize natural light and host visiting artists for retreats, the Flex House is a unique home completed in 2013 and designed by Michelle Jeresek of Ivon Street Studios. This house was a Living Building Challenge prototype in its adherence to strict material selections and energy efficiency goals. It boasts triple-pane windows, 12” thick walls, 100% FSC certified or salvaged wood material, clay plaster, lime plaster, and tadelakt. The exterior siding was made of Western Red Cedar in the ancient Japanese style called Shou Sugi Ban, in which the planks are charred to create an eco-friendly and fire resistant durable finish. The second floor of the house opens onto a gorgeous green roof, both of which were built by the JRA team.

The Flex House was Oregon’s first “REACH Code” project, which was an optional set of standards for improved energy performance.