Custom Home  ∙  South Arlington, Virginia

With a deep slope on its approach and significant drop towards the rear of the property, the site of this house did make it difficult to address all the wishes and needs of the client on one level.  However, through a careful analysis of site grading along with the position and shape of the house, the new design maximizes the available area of the main level.

The house includes multi-functional living areas on its main level including: a guest suite that is not too far from living spaces but also separate enough for privacy, main level garage access with a private storage/work room below, living, dining and gourmet style kitchen.  The rear living room and kitchen are naturally lit with vaulted ceilings and also open to a screen porch and deck with views of Arlington below. 

Tall ceilings in the basement provide another recreational area opening to the back yard and a future bedroom.  Tall windows in an open stairwell are positioned to the side of the house and let more light in to the center of the house. A sitting area at the top of the stair has views to the entrance foyer below and provides a common gathering space for the three second floor bedrooms, full-size laundry room and full bath.

​

we carefully proportioned the exterior massing of the house to offer a unique approach within the language of regional style.  Through a creative process of 3D modeling we looked at various options for the house's massing and proportions.  In the end, we arrived at a design that appealed to the owners on each side of the house, that includes a mix of materials, elegant detailing consistent throughout, and well proportioned windows openings that work well both on the exterior and the interior.