Bend’s Hiatus Homes introduces ‘Twinhomes’ concept to fill ‘missing middle’ need in era of smaller families

(Update: Adding video, comments from staff)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A new type of housing development is coming to northeast Bend, employing a design called Twinhomes. 

Hiatus Homes, which says it's "known for its sustainable and innovative housing solutions," announced upcoming groundbreaking on their latest development - Hiatus Ninth, consisting of nine Twinhomes.

They feature a 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom main residence connected to a lofted 1 bedroom ADU.

"You really have what's a main unit and an attached to an ADU, but to the average viewer, it looks a little bit like a duplex," Hiatus founder Jesse Russell said Wednesday.

Hiatus Chief Financial Officer Ryan Andrews said the U.S. housing market has changed. 

"Builders and developers built three-bedroom, four-bedroom large homes in the suburbs for families," Andrews said. "Well, the demographics of the United States have evolved over the last two generations, where more than half of U.S. households are just one person, or a couple without children."

The new homes will be selling for around $895,000, with construction expected to start within the next month. 

While the lot on NE Ninth Street may be empty right now, the model home will be complete by May of next year, while the other eight remaining Twinhomes will be available next summer.

These nine Twinhomes are meant to bridge the gap for "missing middle" housing. 

Andrews said, "That's people that earn a middle income in this town. So that's often considered between 80% and 120% of the local area median income. So what we're trying to do here by putting two units together was create a home where somebody could buy and live in one side and then rent out the other."

Russell said there was one house on the lot originally. With Twinhomes, it uses the lot to its full potential. 

Russell added, "Now we'll have nine lots with two units, which is really 18 units. Those units could have one to two people. So you're looking at a lot that supplied maybe, you know a family of two or three, for this entire spot. Now, we could have between 20 and 30 people, living in the same spot."

Pre-sales of the Twinhomes will begin in April of next year. 

Here's the company's announcement:

Hiatus Homes, recognized for its sustainable and innovative housing solutions, is excited to announce the groundbreaking of their latest development - Hiatus Ninth. Located in Bend's Midtown neighborhood on NE Ninth Street, this thoughtfully designed community introduces nine Twinhomes—an innovative, new design that embodies Hiatus Homes’ commitment to "missing middle" housing, according to the company's news release, which continues in full below: 

These homes, featuring a 1-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom main residence connected to a lofted 1-bedroom ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), represent a unique addition to Hiatus Homes’ portfolio. Unlike Hiatus’s previous detached cottage ADUs, this Twinhome design is the first foray into attached units, ideal for smaller households seeking efficient, well-designed spaces. 

“More than 50% of US households are made up of just one or two people, and this household demographic is the largest growing sector in Bend,” states Jesse Russell, founder and co-owner of Hiatus Homes. “These individuals are seeking smaller, highly functional and modern homes, not the 3-4 bedroom layouts typical in many markets. Hiatus Ninth offers a compact, thoughtful design that meets this need head-on.”

Each Hiatus Twinhome features a 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath main residence with a single-car garage, plus an attached 1-bedroom ADU. The main home encompasses 675 square feet, while the ADU offers 520 square feet, with a lofted sleeping area and plenty of storage.

Hiatus has reimagined its signature shed roof into a butterfly roof design for this model, filling both units with natural light and enhancing the high ceilings to create a bright, open feel in a compact footprint. Another signature standout is the homeowner-favorite 3-panel glass door, which seamlessly connects the interior to a private patio for effortless indoor-outdoor living.

“Our team is thrilled to begin work on Hiatus Ninth,” said Ryan Andrews, co-owner and CFO. “This development embodies our vision to create beautiful, functional communities while addressing Bend’s need for missing middle housing.”

Andrews further explains how “missing middle” housing can help bridge the affordability gap - a challenge faced by cities across the US. The Hiatus development will utilize an unique and forward thinking building code called the “Small Dwelling Unit Development” that the City of Bend adopted in 2020, with the goal of encouraging developers to build missing middle housing. 

For the past 50 years, the US housing market has largely focused on either single-family homes or high-density apartments. But as demographics shift, small homes for individuals and couples are filling a crucial middle ground.

These homes provide an affordable option for households that fall between traditional suburban homes and apartments, often catering to those earning between 80% and 120% of the area median income (AMI). Hiatus Ninth concept is "attainable by design," meaning the smaller size and higher density make it economically accessible for middle-income households.

Andrews elaborates, “We’re offering buyers the opportunity to live in one unit and rent out the other, generating income to help offset their mortgage.”

For instance, with the homes appraised at $895,000, a buyer could choose to live in the smaller unit and rent the main unit for $2,400 per month, potentially lowering their own payment to under $1,900 monthly — an affordable option for someone earning $75,000 per year. This arrangement enables owners to build equity while reducing their mortgage expenses through rental income.

Russell also notes the versatility of this design for those looking to share space while maintaining independence. “This style of home is perfect for those seeking multi-generational housing, a growing and increasingly needed option. It allows people to live near each other while preserving privacy and independent spaces, meeting the rising demand for flexible and connected living arrangements.”

The model home will be complete in May 2025, with the remaining eight Twinhomes available into Summer 2025. Pre-sales will begin in April 2025. For more information on Hiatus Ninth, or, to join the interest list for pre-sale opportunities, please visit hiatushomes.com/ninth or contact Head of Marketing and Sales, Jenn Redd, at jenn@hiatushomes.com.

About Hiatus Homes

Hiatus Homes, headquartered in Bend, Oregon, specializes in cottage communities that redefine "right-sized" living. With an emphasis on craftsmanship, energy efficiency, and intentional design, Hiatus Homes is committed to meeting the evolving needs of modern homeowners. Hiatus works closely with cities to adopt or refine building codes that encourage developers to innovate and provide housing for smaller households. Hiatus also partners with other developers and landowners across the Mountain West to bring successful cottage cluster and small home developments to market.