PROJECT Maison Defensive
LOCATION Bethesda, Maryland, US
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE 1/1/2015
ARCHITECT Uekman Architects LLC
ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT
OWNER/CLIENT Gregory Uekman and Ann Dorough
CONTRACTOR / CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Owner
PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Burk
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM Gregory Uekman
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
The longtime owners of a 1950’s rambler found themselves surrounded by tear-downs and new oversized spec houses, resulting in a loss of privacy and views. Nevertheless the couple resolved to remain in the neighborhood they loved. The architect proposed a defensive strategy to help reclaim the owner’s lost privacy. The rambler was retained, the interior redesigned, and a crumbling garage demolished. A new addition was conceived as a series of conventional architectural forms (shed roofs, a Charles Moore-like “saddlebag”, a kitchen bump-out) in such a manner as to shield the owner from neighboring views. The sheds are oriented to hide views of the neighbor's higher windows while simultaneously creating a semi-private courtyard. Seen from the interior, the court appears as a continuation of the house, enabling sunlight to flow within. The completed house and studio is 1881 s.f. but the combination of natural light and glazed volume give the illusion of a larger space. The open planned master suite flows into the house’s core spaces as well. Custom furniture and cabinets are designed for warmth and storage. The home studio is a freestanding building, illuminated from high lit windows.
MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF
IMAGE CAPTIONS & CREDITS
IMAGE 1 MaisonDefensive-thumbnail; Exterior View; Paul Burk Photography
IMAGE 2 MaisonDefensive_high res ext; Courtyard View; Paul Burk Photography
IMAGE 3 MaisonDefensive_high res int; Interior View to Court; Paul Burk Photography
IMAGE 4 MaisonDefensive 4; View to Court; Paul Burk Photography
IMAGE 5 MaisonDefensive 5; View through Living; Paul Burk Photography
IMAGE 6 MaisonDefensive 6; Bedroom; Paul Burk Photography
IMAGE 7 MaisonDefensive 7; View to Studio & Court; Paul Burk Photography
IMAGE 8 MaisonDefensive 8; Studio; Paul Burk Photography
Maison Defensive
Category
Local > AIA Potomac Valley > Residential Architecture - Single Family (AIA Potomac Valley)
Share