PROJECT Somerset Cabin

LOCATION  Chevy Chase, Maryland US

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  5/1/2017

ARCHITECT  Bonstra | Haresign Architects

ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT/DESIGNER  

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  David Haresign, FAIA; Adam Greene, AIA

OWNER/CLIENT

CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  Thorsen Construction

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Jennifer Horn Landscape Architecture, LLC

PHOTOGRAPHER  Anice Hoachlander

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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT  

A historic rustic home meets modern in the reimagining of this century-old log cabin in the Somerset neighborhood of Chevy Chase, where the original structure is preserved and complemented by a clean lined addition that includes a master suite, kitchen, and patio. The original log cabin was built on the site in 1919 with cedar logs and lumberjacks from Quebec, Canada, and later clad with stone upon the city’s request. The renovation embraced the inherent juxtaposition of new and old through the restoration of the historic portions and a modern addition that respects the original massing, scale, and materiality to create a cohesive whole. Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission and the Town of Somerset both unanimously approved the redesign of this historic home.
This project positions the new master suite and kitchen to take advantage of views to the south and creates an open space for living and entertaining. The challenge of modernizing the plan for contemporary life and bringing light and openness to the house while sustaining the original character and charm was met through an intervention that respects and enhances the existing structure by creating strong axial organization between new and existing spaces. These relationships set up visual connections between the three levels, the length of the house, and provides views toward the front yard. The design of a complementing yet contrasting addition allows for each part of the house fulfill its design intentions: the addition is bright and open and the cabin living room was restored to its original cozy and intimate state. The logs that were removed to connect the addition were preserved and turned into a dining table sized for entertaining, milled down by a local craftsman and cut to reveal the growth rings.
This home retains the historic fabric of the building and adapts it, a response that is grounded in sustainability. The addition was carefully oriented to the south, with large windows maximizing natural daylight. The operable windows to the south, combined with high narrow windows on the north side of the addition facilitates a passive cross-ventilation utilizing prevailing breezes. The addition of skylights and a glass floor brings daylight into the core and renovated basement of the home. It also utilizes onsite energy production through the addition of a geothermal system, utilizing typical HVAC infrastructure within the house, which was funded through tax-credits. Energy Star appliances, LED lighting, and SEER18 HVAC units, were combined with new high-performance insulation and glazing in the entire home, making it much more energy efficient. The inclusion of low-flow fixtures and a xeriscape landscape, utilizing native plants, significantly reduces the home’s water demand.
The careful preservation of historic features highlights the craft and authenticity of the home while seamlessly integrating modified open and added spaces for modern living and entertaining. The design creates order and openness throughout the house and uses modern interpretations of exterior massing and materiality to marry the old and the new, successfully creating a home for the next generations of the family.

JURY COMMENTS (If applicable)

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project/Jury PDF

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)

1. Exterior view illustrates the intersection of the new 2-story addition into the historic fabric of the existing home, orienting the building towards the southern exposure and large front yard. Anice Hoachlander.
2. Front elevation at dusk illustrates the transparency of the renovation and creates a theatrical living environment from the street. Anice Hoachlander.
3. View of main living area, revealing main axis of new space organizing the dining area, main stair and kitchen island beyond. Anice Hoachlander

4. Interior view of the restored log living room and large wood-burning fireplace. Anice Hoachlander.
5. Interior view from the log room into the newly renovated space, through the opening centered on the main axis of the home. Anice Hoachlander.
6. Central open stair and glass floor opens the home between all levels, connecting each living area. Anice Hoachlander
7. View of kitchen. Wall of cabinetry houses the majority of equipment and storage, while the adjacent side of the kitchen is open, showcasing open shelving. The island is centered on the rest of the living space and the wood cloud above reduces the scale of the space and conceals an exhaust hood. Anice Hoachlander.
8. Axial view from the second floor gallery wall. The laylight brings in natural lighting during the day through all levels of the house. Anice Hoachlander.