[All images by BUILD LLC]
Take a morning stroll through the Sisters Woodlands neighborhood and you’re likely to see homeowners pedaling away on bikes, loading kayaks onto car racks, or prepping the camper van for their next adventure. Neighbors return from early hikes, head out on foot to meet friends at Sisters Coffee Company or gather gear for a day of fly fishing. Visit on a winter morning and the energy doubles, as the wonderland of snowy activities unfolds in and around Sisters, Oregon.
Year-round, it’s no surprise to find such a lively buzz here—with Mount Bachelor to the south, Hoodoo Ski Area to the west, and the Three Sisters rising at the town’s doorstep. Meanwhile, the Metolius River, the Deschutes River, and a half-dozen alpine lakes shape the geography of this special corner of Central Oregon.
Good design can’t take full credit for this lifestyle; the surrounding nature is simply too grand and its beauty too abundant. Yet thoughtful planning and design help bolster the harmony with nature and proximity to outdoor adventure.
When the DNA of the Sisters Woodlands community was established, there was a conscious decision to tread lightly on the land and be mindful of the human footprint. Simple, timeless dwellings designed for efficiency allow the community to blend with the forest and respect the boundaries of nature. Homes are built closer together while preserving trees, enabling more people to enjoy a walkable lifestyle. Without suburban sprawl, utilities operate more efficiently, resources are better utilized, and Main Street is just a short walk away. Shared landscapes mean more affordable housing, a cohesive outdoor aesthetic, and less time spent maintaining lawns.
The Sisters Woodlands community recently completed its first four townhomes—furthering the mission of preservation, livability, and thoughtful development. We recently stayed in one of these homes (the Agate model) and the experience was exceptional: the conveniences of urban living paired with a natural wonderland right outside the front door.
Matching the aesthetics and durability of the Sisters Woodlands Cottages, the townhomes are clad with light stained, locally sourced larch and dark corrugated metal. The shared wall enhances energy efficiency and insulation, while staggered floor plans maintain privacy between neighbors. Most importantly, this design allows construction on smaller 3,400-square-foot lots—reducing the site footprint, saving more trees, and improving housing affordability in Central Oregon.
The completed townhomes include three- and four-bedroom layouts, each with three bathrooms and a two-car garage. Smaller models have been designed with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a one-car garage. Also in the works are three-story designs featuring fully independent Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in addition to the primary residence. Many plans are available in a “reverse” configuration, placing the common areas on the upper level for increased views and natural light. Floor plans and details can be viewed here.
Architecturally, many townhomes reinterpret the western frontier storefronts historically found in Sisters, while others feature pitched, standing-seam metal roofs that echo the surrounding cottages. All models include covered front porches and upper-level terraces for enjoying the mountain and forest views. Thanks to careful placement and design, hundreds of ponderosa pines and junipers have been preserved within the neighborhood.
While townhomes are a familiar model in larger West Coast cities, their application in Central Oregon has required a rethinking of the housing type—strategically working around trees, fostering community, and touching the ground lightly. Whether you’re a prospective homebuyer or simply curious, the neighborhood is worth a walk, and the model home is open for tours.
Also on the design desk is the Warming Hut (below), set to begin construction this fall in the Sisters Woodlands community. The building will feature three restaurants and a beer garden with both indoor and outdoor seating. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting addition.
Cheers from Team BUILD