Architectural Styles in Discovery West – Which is Most Popular?

When visiting Discovery West, one of the first things one may notice is the wide variety of architectural styles throughout the neighborhood. With 19 professional builders in the Builders Guild each putting their own unique design mark on homes, the neighborhood features 9 approved architectural styles. But which one wins the popularity contest?

“The hands-down favorite architectural style is Mid-Century Modern, with 24% of all completed or under construction homes in this style,” said Dale Van Valkenburg, Discovery West Architectural Design Review Committee Member. “With its sleek, minimalist lines and expanses of glass that take advantage of mountain and forest views, this style is perfectly suited to Discovery West.”

Craftsman, a beloved historical style in Bend, is our second most popular design representing 17% of all completed or under construction homes.

Our next most popular design is American/Modern Farmhouse with 16% being completed or under construction. 

Rising in popularity is an architectural style that hasn’t been officially approved (yet), and falls into the “other” category: Scandinavian. A variation of this traditionally simple design will be on display in the townhomes which are currently being built along Skyline Ranch Road in Phase 4, along with a few other single-family homes in the neighborhood. Scandinavian architecture features simple steep pitched gable roofs accented with low sloped roofs, minimal overhangs, and with large windows to invite natural lighting. Due to its popularity, the Architectural Review Committee will likely be adding it to our approved styles list in our design guidelines in the near future. The other approved styles include Colonial Revival, Mountain Modern, Woodland, High Plains Territorial and American Foursquare.

Here’s a look at some of the styles you’ll see around Discovery West:  

Mid-Century Modern – As its name suggests, this style began its upward climb in popularity in the late 1940s and ‘50s. This style is so beloved around the globe that it is referred to with the shorthand “MCM.” Perhaps it is making a comeback as a response to the increasingly complex world we live in. Characterized by simplicity both in design and in the materials used in the home, this style juxtaposes solid wall segments, often masonry, with large floor-to-ceiling glazed wall segments. Its large windows and open interior spaces meld indoor and out, bringing the outdoors in. With Discovery West’s amazing natural setting, we’re all for that!

Craftsman – Originating in the Arts and Crafts Movement, this style has been a Bend favorite for years. It emphasizes natural materials like wood, stone and brick, generally with wide front porches and low-pitched gable roofs. The classic Craftsman Style house is simple, informal, and efficient. Exteriors make use of natural materials. It emphasizes several essential elements and, true to the nature of the design, exteriors are generally painted to blend in with the natural surroundings, often with playful pops of color in key accent areas.

American Farmhouse – Historically built for need rather than design, this style is very functional, with large inviting porches serving as transition spaces between outdoor and indoor life. Other features usually include tall, narrow windows, steeper roof pitches and a focus on simplicity. American Farmhouse styles have evolved over time, to include Modern Farmhouse and others, but generally began as a simple two-story form with a large front porch (the perfect place to relax after a vigorous hike on one of our nearby trails).


Tudor Revival – Originating in England, this is probably one of the easiest styles to identify and recognize. Steep, multi-gabled roofs, good for our snowy winters, and decorative half-timber framing make it hard to miss. A rather “romantic” design, Tudor-style homes often have elaborate entrances, large chimneys and casement or transom windows. The houses can also have a variety of exterior cladding types, including stucco, brick, stone, or wood. Combinations of materials are common. High-style versions may have a false thatched roof design where the eaves come to a roll.

Prairie – The famous Frank Lloyd Wright created this style, which is practical and straightforward. Emphasizing horizontal lines, including long flat roof lines for both first and second stories, Prairie-style homes usually have rows of windows and an organic feeling. Unlike other styles, this one does not usually have a significant front porch but rather a simple, sheltered entry. 

Interested in exploring all the architectural styles in Discovery West? Check out this video on YouTube, where our own Dale Van Valkenburg will take you on a leisurely yet informative tour of the architectural styles of the neighborhood.