Bethesda. Maryland

This ground-up modern house serves as the family home for an “empty nest” couple, and will be adapted to their new lifestyle.  It takes the place of a suburban “box” the Owners had lived in for decades.  In addition to living spaces, shared office, and in-house gym, the home is spacious enough for overnight guests to have their own suite.  In the future, it will offer temporary residence for grown children, and eventually grandchildren.  
 
Designed for aging in place, all major living spaces are on the first floor, including Kitchen/Dining/Living areas, Master Suite, Shared Office, and Laundry/Mud Room.  There is also space reserved for a future elevator, should the need arise.  The 2-car garage, previously accessed from a steep driveway, has been lowered to street level and offers a paved walkway for guests.
 
The design consists of a volumetric composition, with living spaces in a horizontal volume and bedrooms in a vertical volume, flanking the entry and stair at the center.  The Entry space is composed of warm natural materials that welcome visitors – wood, tile, and concrete.  The rear walls are almost all glass, with a view of the layered landscape and natural forest beyond. The dining room is a glass “lantern” at the front of the house, featuring a custom dining table designed by the architect.
 
The new home is highly sustainable, with a geothermal mechanical system and in-floor radiant heat.  The original house was “deconstructed” for salvaging and re-use of almost all building materials.  
 


Landscape Architects: Campion Hruby 
General Contractor: Peterson and Collins
Millwork : Mersoa Woodwork
Photos: Anice Hoachlander