A Writer's Studio and Japanese-Inspired Garden in Portland's Laurelhurst

Nestled in Portland's Laurelhurst neighborhood, this 2,500-square-foot backyard transformation draws quiet inspiration from the nearby Portland Japanese Garden—itself a tribute to Sapporo, Japan, Portland's first sister city. Because both cities share a similar latitude, the plant palette thrives in the Pacific Northwest climate while echoing Japanese horticultural traditions.

"I feel a strong sense of connection with our part of the country and Japan," says architect Michael Howells of Howells Architecture + Design. "I didn't want to mimic a Japanese garden as much as reference it through design details, motifs, and materials. This is the garden I've always wanted to do."

Photos by Anna M Campbell

Project at a Glance

• Homeowner: A fiction writer who works from home
• Location: Laurelhurst neighborhood, Portland, Oregon
• Size: 2,500 sq ft backyard including a 240 sq ft detached studio

Howells completely renovated the main house before reimagining the backyard and rebuilding the detached garage. The homeowner and architect saw potential in converting the garage into a writing studio but waited until construction began to fully commit.

The studio features a custom rift-sawn oak stand-up desk from The Joinery, a Portland-based maker of handmade wood furniture, designed specifically for the homeowner's 6-foot-9-inch frame. The concrete floor is graded and drained so the space could revert to garage use if needed; for now, the homeowner parks in the driveway.

From the studio, the writer looks out over the renovated backyard. Howells notes the primary challenge was accommodating all desired features—a fire pit, hot tub, and outdoor dining—in an elegant, cohesive way.

Each element was placed for optimal use and flow. The grill sits just outside the house for convenience, while the fire pit anchors the far corner as a destination. The hot tub and fire pit align along the same axis projecting from the center of the studio window, creating visual order.

Paving with Purpose

Most of the backyard is paved to support the program, but the hardscape is softened by a uniform base of concrete pavers with planted joints—a detail inspired by the Portland Japanese Garden. "In essence we paved the whole thing but softened it with these moss elements in between," Howells explains.

Scotch moss (Sagina subulata 'Aurea') and Corsican mint (Mentha requienii) grow between the pavers. Both tolerate foot traffic and form a bright green permeable network. The Corsican mint releases a strong fragrance when stepped on. "I've always wanted to do a project where I could introduce that idea of the sense of smell," says Howells.

Where moss isn't practical—such as under the dining table—the ground cover transitions to a line of gravel, then back to moss.

Fence as Design Feature

A rhythmic western red cedar fence surrounds the yard, reinforcing the design while complementing the unfinished teak dining furniture. "There is beautiful variety of fencing motifs and materials in Japan," says Howells. "Fences are often overlooked as design opportunities. This one stands out now but will soften as the plants grow in."

Out of courtesy to neighbors, the back side of the fence mirrors the front. "We made it just as beautiful for the neighbors," Howells notes. Double paneling and an extra-tall 7-foot height enhance privacy.

Kayu teak dining table and benches: Design Within Reach

Patio furniture: Eos line, Design Within Reach

Fire Pit and Hot Tub

The board-formed-concrete fire pit draws visitors to the yard's farthest corner. Howells used this construction technique consistently for built features, citing both personal affinity and its strong ties to Portland landscape architecture—most famously Lawrence Halprin's Lovejoy Fountain Park.

Four weep holes with decorative Cor-Ten covers drain the 40+ inches of annual precipitation from the fire pit. Cor-Ten's tendency to bleed rust onto surrounding surfaces is intentional here: "We're inviting that organic pattern to form over time and make its mark on the fire pit," Howells says. An array of perforated PVC pipes and a dry well handle patio drainage, addressing the homeowner's past basement flooding concerns.

The round cedar hot tub from Zen Bathworks references traditional Japanese soaking tubs and interrupts the project's predominantly rectangular geometry. A cedar crate to the right conceals mechanical equipment; its hinged lid doubles as a tabletop. A Pacific Sunset maple (Acer truncatum 'Pacific Sunset') shades the center of the sunny site. Howells accepted that its roots may eventually disrupt the paving grid: "In a garden all about order, a few imperfections add interest and bring it to life."

Howells and the homeowner worked with a landscape contractor to select perimeter plants—conifers, grasses, and maples familiar in Japanese gardens and suited to the Pacific Northwest.

Gate and Before View

A freestanding gate joins the studio and main house, leading to the driveway. Built as an independent structure to avoid disjointed connections, it's supported by steel posts wrapped in cedar set in substantial concrete footings. "I find it's elegant if you can just hold it off," says Howells.

Before Photo

BEFORE: The view looking back to the house before any work began. The new garage sits just out of view to the right.

Architect: Michael Howells, Howells Architecture + Design
Contractor: Tall Firs Building