Whole Tone

This infill building, located at Belmont and 33rd in Portland, OR, showcases innovative solutions tailored to the constraints of a compact 30’ by 50’ site and a demanding program. Designed as a celebration of music and the intricacies of a piano, the structure features two levels of retail space, four practice rooms, and a performance hall.

Inspired by the inner mechanics of the piano, the building’s facade reflects the relationship between sound and form. Just as each piano key strikes three chords, the design echoes this system: lower frequencies are represented by longer, thicker chords, while higher frequencies are depicted with shorter, thinner chords. The facade’s gradient color palette is also derived from these frequencies, creating a visual symphony that transitions seamlessly between high and low tones.

This architectural composition is more than a building—it’s a structure waiting to be played.