PROJECT Rambler Redux
LOCATION Chevy Chase, Maryland US
PROJECT COMPLETION DATE 9/1/2019
ARCHITECT Studio MB
ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT/DESIGNER
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM John A McGraw, AIA - Principal; JM Humbert, AIA - Project Architect
OWNER/CLIENT
CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER WWK Construction / Will Pinto
PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Warchol
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Campion Hruby, ASLA
CIVIL ENGINEER
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Bill Duvall, P.E.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
CONSULTANT
CONSULTANT
CONSULTANT
CONSULTANT
CONSULTANT
CONSULTANT
CONSULTANT
CONSULTANT
CONSULTANT
CONSULTANT
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
This re-conceived rambler for a family of 4, drawn to the neighborhood’s wooded lots, generous setbacks, and large front yards, has been reconfigured within its original footprint to meet contemporary living needs. A new second floor, covered and uncovered courts, and a lower terrace overcome the original layout’s small, dark spaces and the added wood clad and glass boxes bring natural light deep into the home. In order to take advantage of an existing but dank basement space and a narrow rear yard, a lower terrace was created to allow full utilization of the lower spaces. The lack of a rear yard space was resolved with a covered court and terrace located to the side of the house, with lush plantings for privacy. The new house remains within the previous footprint, completely transformed into an open, airy, and contemporary home.Abundant daylight, outdoor courts, and lightly colored exteriors reduce energy consumption, allow for natural ventilation, and reduce solar height gain. Solar panels, cleverly hidden on 2nd story flat roofs, further minimize the home’s impact on the electrical grid.
JURY COMMENTS (If Applicable)
This project is an amazing redo of the typical suburban ranch house into a well thought out home. The transformation of the existing home that likely had no interior daylighting or presence is now complete. The dining room light monitor is a simple yet effective form to allow natural light in and provide views to the exterior. The refinement of exterior massing, detailing and material coding, while simple are an example for architectural restraint.
We love a good before and after. This was a big change to a project type we’re all familiar with. There were areas of high detail, where windows meet the sky in ways which bring crispness and depth to the façade. Other areas highlight the tradeoffs made to achieve this type of detailing, pragmatic additions like gutters and conductor boxes detract from the simplicity of the composition. Overall, a very nice project.
Really amazing transformation. Some of this project’s best moments are when it engages the exterior natural environment as a participant to interior space. With two moves—the interior inset to capture an outdoor court and the addition of the light monitor to transmit a volume of sky—daylight and nature animate the modest interior and grant the home exceptional character.
MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project/Jury PDF
IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. West Facade, Paul Warchol Photography Inc.
2. East Elevation, Wood/Brick/Glass, Paul Warchol Photography Inc.
3. Living Space, Image by Firm
4. Dining Room, Image by Firm
5. Glass Box during a storm, Image by Firm
6. Staircase, Image by Firm
7. Rear Terrace, Paul Warchol Photography Inc.
8. West Elevation at night, Paul Warchol Photography Inc.
Rambler Redux
Category
Local > AIA Potomac Valley > Residential Architecture (AIA Potomac Valley)
Winner Status
- Merit Award
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