Context

The owners purchased property in Alexandria, Virginia overlooking the Potomac River with an existing Arts & Craftsman bungalow on a heavily sloped site. The wife envisioned modern, clean lines, in direct contrast to the husband’s desire to have something resembling old timber cabins with heavy stone, reminiscent of previous summers on a lake.

Solution

The design approach was not complicated: respect the original context of the site while blending the desires of both husband and wife. To this end, the contemporary interpretation of a simple gabled roof farmhouse is immediately recognizable as traditional massing. The home is built as two identifiable structures, one large and one small, connected-by one-story glass and mahogany trimmed hyphens. Though traditional in form, the spaces and detailing are distinctly modern. Floor to ceiling windows front the water offering dramatic views of the Potomac River and rolling farmland beyond. Interior spaces connect to exterior stone terraces, a roof deck, and balconies, creating a seamless flow between the indoors and the exterior. Utilizing traditional massing and rustic materials paired with modern spaces and detailing, the Alexandria Residence successfully marries the owners’ preferences by taking full advantage of a contemporary aesthetic grounded in traditional forms and materials.