Bushytail Residence
Architect: Richard Shugar AIA, LEED AP
General Contractor: McKenzie Commercial Construction
Photography: Brian Davies
Completed: 2024
South Eugene, Oregon
Intergenerational Residence
This cedar-clad residence in South Eugene enables multi-generational living with a thoughtful balance of independence and connection. The new residence was conceived not as a separate home, but as a continuation of family, of memory, and of a deep connection to the land.
The project embodies the homeowners' choice to stay connected to the place where they raised their family instead of moving elsewhere in their later years. Their original residence now serves as a home for their children and grandchildren, while the newly constructed space is tailored to accommodate their evolving needs. A subtle interior passage links the two homes, maintaining physical and emotional proximity while allowing for independent living. This reinforces the deeper goal of the project: to create a home that adapts to life’s shifts without requiring families to separate or compromise on privacy.
Influenced by both Japanese design principles and the rustic modern aesthetic of Pacific Northwest Architecture, the new home pairs clarity of form with textural richness. Overhanging eaves, low rooflines, and vertical cedar cladding give the building a grounded presence that recedes quietly into the trees. Inside, natural wood finishes, simplified transitions, and open living areas create a space that feels tactile and tranquil. The design process was rooted in longevity, not only in how the home ages with its occupants, but how it weathers into the land. Materials were selected for their durability and ability to patina, including local cedar siding and resilient interior finishes that require minimal maintenance over time. Together, these choices reinforce a home that is built to last.
Within the home, universal design strategies are seamlessly integrated to support aging in place. Step-free entries, wide doorways and hallways, accessible bathrooms and kitchens, and layered lighting contribute to a sense of ease. These features are not treated as add-ons, but as intrinsic parts of the home’s beauty and functionality. Our design team views aging in place as a form of sustainability. Rather than abandoning existing homes or reshuffling family roots, we believe in adapting what we have, preserving continuity, conserving resources, and designing for longevity. In the U.S., the average building lasts just 40 years, and construction and demolition account for nearly 40% of landfill waste. By creating homes that evolve with their inhabitants, we extend not only the life of the building, but also the life and health of the people who live there.
"Richard's collaborative team approach is what sold us on moving forward with 2FORM Architecture for our remodeling project. We couldn't be happier with the results. Relocating back to Oregon during the project meant timely and efficient communication was paramount. Richard met with us onsite to walk through our vision of an open concept, "age in place" home, his team's first cut at the design was spot on with minimal changes necessary. Meetings were always efficient and productive. The team has an excellent sense of finding the knee of the value curve when recommending materials and fixtures. After the first onsite meeting, Richard provided an estimated cost range, the percent of 2FORM's cost to the total project cost--they came in at the low end of their estimate." -Owner, Bushytail Residence