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A Breathtaking Transformation
To discreetly increase the size of the house, without imposing on the neighbors was the owners’ simple request that started this breathtaking transformation. Our clients, gradually settling into retirement after spending years traveling and living abroad, eagerly wanted a “house for us”. Humble people, they wanted a fine home tailored to their needs, without the “self-important” look that many new homes tend to have. The new home compliments their lifestyle exceptionally well, and adds elegance to the entire street.
We essentially gutted the entire existing structure, leaving just the skin intact. This gave us great flexibility in designing the new layout. The floor plan allows fluid traffic flow, with both front and rear traffic lines that span the width of the house.
At many points, a line of sight through the whole house is visible.
The tall second floor shutters help create a strong and stately vertical rhythm which balances the increased width from the addition.
A bracketed elliptical portico flanked by oval windows further softens the rectilinear front.
The black wrought-iron and leaded windows lend a sense of permanence, as if the house had been there for years.
The new two-car garage increases the efficiency of the layout. An elevator allows for effortless travel between the basement and upper two floors.
The clients’ love for their two German Shepherds impacted both the interior and exterior design. The yard is fenced in, allowing the dogs exercise. They are free to pass in and out as they please thanks to an electronic dog door. Inside, they have their very own designated resting area with views of the whole yard.
The existing chimney was demolished. In its place we constructed a two sided fireplace which serves both the kitchen and family room.
A goal was to make the newly landscaped garden the focus from as many rooms as possible. Here we see a clear line from the dining room through the kitchen to the rich foliage.
The clients find themselves on their rear porch almost nightly listening to music through integrated speakers, relaxing and enjoying the night air.
The client requested a large, multi-purpose kitchen space. Careful management of the project’s finances allowed us to surprise the client with a vaulted ceiling. running the length of the space.
The vaulted ceiling softens the “bowling alley effect” common to longer flat-roofed rooms. To avoid using unsightly support columns, the ceiling is braced with steel beams throughout its length.
Anthony Wilder
301-907-4535
Cabin John MD
Metro DC Chapter