Curtis Homes Shares the Vision Behind Building Lakeside

At Caldera Springs, each part of the community is designed to reflect the natural character of Central Oregon while offering spaces that bring people together in fresh and inspiring ways. The newest neighborhood, Lakeside, is no exception. Situated along the tranquil shores of Lava Springs Lake, the vacation homes are being built by Curtis Homes, a trusted local builder with deep roots in the region.

To learn more about the vision and craft behind the Lakeside vacation homes, we spoke with Cameron Curtis, President of Curtis Homes. From the influence of the waterfront setting to the guiding principles of Northwest modern design, Curtis shares how his team approached the project and what makes these homes a distinct addition to Caldera Springs.

Designing with the Setting in Mind

The lakefront location was the starting point for everything. “We immediately recognized this wasn’t just a place to build houses, but an opportunity to create a genuine vacation retreat that works in harmony with the Central Oregon landscape,” says Curtis. Each home was oriented to maximize views, with expansive windows and soaring gables framing the outdoors. Natural wood siding and regional stone further root the designs in their surroundings.

“The material palette was directly inspired by our environment,” Curtis explains. “We wanted the homes to echo the textures of the forest and volcanic geology that make this region so unique.”

Balancing Gathering and Rest

The guiding principle for the floor plan was to create homes that feel both welcoming and restorative. “We envisioned a Northwest modern architectural style that retained the warmth and soul of a mountain home,” says Curtis. “The floor plan balances open, communal spaces that encourage gathering with private, tranquil areas for rest.”

The Stillwater floor plan features an open great room for entertaining and more intimate areas like a bunk room and upstairs media den for visiting family or friends.

​​A True Indoor-Outdoor Connection

The Stillwater floor plan features an open great room for entertaining and more intimate areas like a bunk room and upstairs media den for visiting family or friends.

“We utilized a seamless transition from the indoors to the outdoors through vaulted ceilings extending to spacious patios,” Curtis shares. “These outdoor living areas are true extensions of the home’s footprint, complete with modern fire pits and private hot tubs. The result is a four-season space right at the water’s edge.”

The Studio: Flexible by Design

Every Lakeside residence includes a thoughtfully designed studio that adds independence while maintaining cohesion with the main home.

“We designed the studio with intentional flexibility,” Curtis explains. “Its independence comes from a private entrance and a self-sufficient layout complete with a kitchenette and full bathroom. As a separate rentable unit, it provides owners with additional versatility and income potential—all without compromising the integrity of the main home.”

Craftsmanship in Every Detail

Curtis Homes prides itself on craftsmanship that shows in both obvious and subtle ways.

“Visitors will discover our commitment to craftsmanship via clean lines, thoughtful proportions and durable finishes that age gracefully,” says Curtis. “Even small choices like trim work, siding transitions and roofing materials show our attention to detail.”

That same attention shaped the curated finish packages. Inspired by the duality of the Central Oregon landscape, one scheme reflects the airy tones of the high desert, while the other draws from the grounding richness of volcanic basalt and Ponderosa pine bark.

Building in Caldera Springs

For Curtis, building in Caldera Springs has been a chance to design homes that feel inseparable from their environment.

“Unlike more traditional neighborhoods, Caldera Springs emphasizes connection to the lakes, trails and open spaces that make it so special,” he explains. “For us, that means thinking about how a home doesn’t just sit on a lot, but how it flows into its natural surroundings. Building here is about more than just creating a home—it’s about creating a retreat that reflects the lifestyle and landscape of Caldera Springs.”

Looking Ahead

With Lakeside, Curtis Homes set out to create lakefront residences that go beyond function, offering spaces where every detail—from vaulted ceilings to handcrafted finishes—invites a life rooted in both comfort and connection.

“At the end of the day, our hope is simple,” Curtis reflects. “That when residents arrive, the stresses of daily life give way to peace, and that the memories made here will last for generations.”

Learn more about Lakeside vacation homes here, and join the priority list for first access to pricing and availability.