1933 Highlands Loop, Lake Oswego

The Shaw House in Lake Oswego stands as a refined and deeply considered example of Pacific Northwest modernism by architect John Yeon . Set within the Forest Highlands neighborhood, the house reflects Yeon’s lifelong interest in regional modern architecture that responds directly to climate, landscape, and material logic rather than imported stylistic gestures. At more than 5,700 square feet and sited on a private, gently sloping lot of over half an acre, the house balances intimacy with generosity of space in a manner that remains remarkably contemporary.

4

Bedrooms

4.5

Bathrooms

1951

Year Built

John Yeon

Developer

Northwest Contemporary, Mid-Century Modern

Style

Lake Oswego

Neighborhood

Yeon was a key figure in the development of Northwest Regional Style, and The Shaw House clearly demonstrates his principles. The low horizontal rooflines, flat roof form, and strong emphasis on indoor outdoor relationships anchor the house to its site. Rather than asserting itself as an object in the landscape, the architecture unfolds laterally, allowing gardens, terraces, and courtyards to become extensions of the interior. This approach is particularly evident in the way patios and covered outdoor rooms are integrated directly off primary living spaces, reinforcing Yeon’s belief that modern living should be inseparable from nature.

Photo Credit: Harnish Company Realtors & RMLS

Modern gray house with turquoise door and palm trees. Concrete walkway and landscaping.
Aerial view of a modern home with a pool and lush landscaping, surrounded by trees.
Living room with fireplace, windows, neutral sofa, orange chair, and area rug.
Modern kitchen with marble countertops, brown backsplash, and pendant lights.
The plan organization is disciplined but fluid. Primary living areas are arranged on the main level, supporting a single level living experience while still accommodating a daylight lower level that expands the program. Concrete floors throughout the lower level ground the house both literally and materially, while upper level spaces introduce warmth through hardwood flooring and built in cabinetry. Throughout the house, Yeon’s attention to proportion is evident in ceiling heights, window placement, and circulation paths that feel intentional rather than grand.

Living room with wood paneling, green sofa, blue rug, acrylic coffee table, and large windows.
Entryway with teal door, dark textured walls, gold accents, and a staircase leading upwards.
Bedroom with bed, bench, windows, and full-length mirror. Neutral color scheme, natural light.
Modern bathroom with white vanity, soaking tub, gold fixtures, and orchid arrangement.

The windows and doors frame intentional views of the surrounding trees, valley, and distant mountains. Natural light is used as a material, carefully modulated to animate interior surfaces without overwhelming them. The six fireplaces serve as spatial anchors rather than decorative features, reinforcing the hearth as a central element of domestic life.


Later renovations have been done with restraint, preserving the spirit of the original design while incorporating contemporary amenities. A wine cellar, media and home theater spaces, updated kitchen with integrated appliances, and modern mechanical systems coexist comfortably within Yeon’s framework. Outdoor features such as the pool, water elements, and raised garden beds extend the architectural language into the landscape without resorting to excess.

Modern wine cellar with illuminated glass shelving, various bottles, and a table with seating.
Living room with open sliding doors to a pool and backyard; white and orange accents.
Covered patio with wicker furniture and a dining table, overlooking a backyard.
Modern home with pool; open doors reveal interior. Reflection in water, blue sky.
Outdoor patio with pool. Tables and chairs on patio, greenery, and trees in the background.
Outdoor seating area with a concrete path, a fire pit, and two chairs surrounded by greenery.

More than seventy years after its completion, The Shaw House continues to demonstrate how modern architecture can be simultaneously rigorous and deeply connected to place. For those interested in the legacy of John Yeon and the evolution of Pacific Northwest modernism, this house remains a compelling and instructive work.


The Shaw House was listed for sale in February 2026 by Harnish Company Realtors.