The Cottrell House, John Yeon, 1950

We continue our Portland series with the Cottrell House, designed by renowned Oregon architect John Yeon. A visionary of the Pacific Northwest, Yeon was known for his deep respect for the landscape, natural materials, and regional identity. His work helped define a distinctly Northwestern approach to modern architecture, one that feels quiet, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in place.

In this film, we sit down with Marcy Cottrell-Houle as she takes us down memory lane, reflecting on what it was like to grow up within these walls and the many beautiful memories shaped her over the years. The house was more than just a home; its spaces, light, and connection to nature quietly shaped the way she saw the world. Living in a place so thoughtfully designed left a lasting impression on her, nurturing a sensitivity to art, design, and creativity that she carried forward into her own life and career.

Marcy also shares the story of her family’s decision to donate the home to the University of Oregon, ensuring that the legacy of both the house and John Yeon’s architectural vision continues to live on. Today, the Cottrell House stands not only as a preserved work of architecture, but as a place where students, scholars, and visitors can experience its rich history and find inspiration within its spaces.