Contemporary Addition | Arlington, VA
Instead of retiring to a warmer climate, this couple chose to remain in the 1800 square foot slab-on-grade house in which they raised their family. Though the existing 1960’s narrow structure was modern in form, it lacked openness, a livable connection with the outdoors and sufficient natural light. They wanted an open plan, clean minimal detailing, low maintenance materials and energy efficiency. Prudent planning for the long term required enlarging the first floor powder room to double as a bath with a walk-in shower and a room on the first floor that could be partitioned off and converted into a bedroom at a later date in the event that one of them became physically handicapped. The new floor plan creates a clean and spacious interior that opens toward the rear yard. Sun pours in from the south during winter, but during the summer, is blocked with sunscreens and shade from a one hundred year old silver maple. Their new master suite located on the second floor feels like a “tree house” nestled in its branches.
“We knew what we wanted, but had no idea how to translate that into physical form. We wanted open interiors and lots of light…we wanted contemporary but not cold… Luther listened and translated, re-worked and sparked new ideas in a process that continued through each phase of the project…our home is now a beautiful refuge from the pressures of city dwelling.”
