This contemporary private residence is perched above a tranquil clearing and stream in a densely wooded plot in Oakton. The home’s design takes inspiration from, and enhances, the natural elements of the site. Its nestled position in the landscape, large overhangs, casement windows, extensive porches, and generous glazing amplify views of the surrounding scenery and create a seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces.

This dynamic quality is incorporated into a design ideal for entertaining; the openness of gathering spaces in the Kitchen, Dining, and Family Rooms, as well as the Rec Room above, is reinforced with direct access to the patio and balcony. A two-story foyer with a full-height curtain wall anchors the floor plan and creates a vantage point that overlooks the entirety of the home. This space exemplifies the minimal, refined detailing desired by the client.

Services

• Land Planning & Feasibility
• Architectural Design
• Construction Documents
• Construction Administration
  

CREDITS

• Maxine Schnitzer Photography

Situated in a preserved enclave neighboring the nation’s capital, this home is nestled among the trees, creating an inward-facing orientation that enhances spatial intimacy. The building’s exterior strikes a careful balance between warm, natural materials and crisp contemporary forms. A sophisticated interior palette and refined architectural lines contrast the striking landscape viewed through large, elegant windows, creating a symbiotic relationship between the interior and exterior.

CREDITS

• Akseizer Design Group
• Brush Arbor Construction
• Hoachlander Davis Photography

The Bethesda Retreat is located on a uniquely shaped, but well-oriented, narrow lot. The length of the home was an opportunity to design spaces with sun from multiple directions, capturing morning and afternoon light. A central patio, ideal for entertaining, is carved from the center of the home, and provides a dynamic outdoor living zone connected to the main interior living spaces, kitchen, and pool. The floor plan revolves around this predominant feature with multiple entry points and sight lines connecting remote portions of the home. A formal Owner’s Suite is nestled into the rear wing, providing an intimate sanctuary with views toward the wooded portion of the lot.

Upstairs, a loft and studio offer supplemental spaces for both entertaining and work. These rooms are enhanced by partial screening and operable doors so the residents may selectively sequester themselves or engage with the surrounding spaces. The home’s exterior is characterized by its contemporary treatment of warm materials: light stucco, granular stone tile, rich wood siding, and bronze metal elements. Subtle expressions of ornament in the entry door, open eaves, steel canopies, and accent tile are among its most distinctive elements.

Services

• Land Planning & Feasibility
• Architectural Design
• Construction Documents
• Construction Administration
  

CREDITS

• Maxine Schnitzer Photography
• L.S. Design
• Mark Finlayson, CPH
• The Banks Development Co.
• Wheat's Landscape

An outdated home with vastly underutilized potential laid ripe for opportunity on this coveted lot on Assawoman Bay in Ocean City, Maryland. The owners, who previously lived just down the street, jumped at the chance to “trade up” for the bayside home when it hit the market. Enticed by the prospect of sunset views from three sides of their home and a proper waterfront recreation venue, they envisioned a lush retreat to host their family and friends.     

A complete transformation was performed to rejuvenate the home’s appearance and performance. Capitalizing on its orientation, the rear side of the home was activated by several new floor-to-ceiling openings. This saturates the formerly dull interior with natural light reflecting off the water. The exterior was completely resurfaced in wood shake, replacing a deteriorating existing stucco veneer. Existing windows, balconies, and terraces all were re-imagined and refined through new detailing with coastal vernacular-inspired brackets, shed roofs, and railings. 

Reconfiguring the original floor plan, inhabitable space was reclaimed over the existing two-story family room to craft a relaxed entertainment destination while also nimbly inserting an additional bedroom suite. On the ground floor, an expanded kitchen and a properly designated dining venue replace the original south wing of the home, which was inhibited by a cramped and dysfunctional combined layout.  The master suite received a comprehensive alteration to improve its capacity and finish level – a new walk-in-closet and five-fixture bath both benefit from added light and privacy. The rear porch was revitalized with brighter materials, retractable screens, versatile seating, and stair access to the waterfront patio. Now, on the most idyllic days, the new bi-fold glass door is opened to capture coastal breezes coming off the bay and create a pleasantly seamless indoor-outdoor room for relaxing. 

Services

• Architectural Design
• Construction Documents
• Construction Administration
  

CREDITS

• T&G Builders
• Christie Leu Interiors LLC & Mary Strittmatter
• Stacy Zarin Goldberg 

Stepped planes of low-sloped and flat roofs disguise the true size of this Salona Village home from the street and impart a sense of deference to the surrounding old-growth trees. The home’s exterior material palette is characterized by contrasting yet complementary tones and textures. The broad, bold entry portico anchors the base of the home while the upper level, setback from the street, hovers lightly above. Floor-to-ceiling glass apertures at the front and rear provide visual continuity through the depth of the home and punctuate the rich backdrop of the forest beyond.

CREDITS

• Tricrest Homes
• Stacy Zarin Goldberg

In response to the largely homogenous collection of new homes in the DC Metro area, this design takes a divergent stance while respecting the context. The graceful balance of Prairie Style and Contemporary elements allow it to delicately stand out among the surrounding Craftsman and Colonial homes without imposing on the neighborhood. This home’s palette of soft hues, grainy stucco, rich cedar accents, and monolithic stone base all juxtapose its minimalist form and make it fit in appropriately with the wooded site. Large, undivided apertures fill the interior with natural light and curate views out into the encompassing trees.

These openings are articulated on the exterior with soffit down-lighting and dark mullions. Inside, vignettes are framed by distinctive thresholds between rooms. This creates a fluid, but separate series of spaces between the Family Room, Kitchen, and Dining Room, which are carefully scaled in relation to each other. A first floor Guest Suite and second floor Loft offer flexible options for families of differing (or growing) sizes. The 3-Car Garage is a rare feature for the tight lot and contributes to its asymmetrical massing. Lush marble finishes and ceiling accent lighting emphasize the contemporary aesthetic of the home, which is softened by the French oak floors.

Services

• Land Planning & Feasibility
• Architectural Design
• Construction Documents
• Construction Administration
  

CREDITS

• Hoachlander Davis Photography