PROJECT Potomac View
ARCHITECT Jonathan Kuhn Architect
LOCATION  Newburg, Maryland US

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  4/3/2023
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  Jonathan Kuhn
OWNER/CLIENT
CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  
PHOTOGRAPHER  Daniel Mullis
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
CIVIL ENGINEER Neal Offenbacher - NOS Land Surveyors
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER
MECHANICAL ENGINEER
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
CONSULTANT
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
We were presented with the challenge and the opportunity of designing a weekend home on a narrow and steep waterfront property along the Potomac River. The property offered a limited building area because of the dramatic topography and limitations imposed by the critical area buffer at the river.

The home is intended to accommodate the Client’s desire to escape the hustle and bustle and, at times, offer a respite to their extended family and dear friends. Perched atop the cliff of this wooded site, the structure engages the surroundings and the westerly views with a multitude of outdoor spaces and an abundance of glazing integrated into the river facing façade.

The structure is an assembly and stacking of simple geometries that playfully interact with one another to provide clear function, and direct purposeful views. The main level is elevated to strengthen the river overlook and begin the ascent towards the sky. The ‘heart’ of the home – the kitchen and dining – is emphasized by being clad in corten steel while floating just above the landscape. Full height glass sliding doors and large windows lead to a framed balcony reinforcing the idea of hovering above the ground.

The living area, canted in the opposite direction from the kitchen wing and somewhat isolated, is a peaceful place to gather as a family or socialize and still be visually connected with the outdoors. A patio is cradled between the two volumes to further enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. An outdoor fireplace at the patio provides another place to gather, to feel comforted, and relax while taking in the expansive views.

The bedroom wing, resting gently on the living spaces below, further elevates the structure above the rugged terrain. The massing is a linear volume running parallel to the shore offering equal views from each of the spaces. The fenestration is made up of orchestrated openings, windows and balconies, taking a more subtle approach to the views reflecting the mostly tranquil use of the interior spaces yet maintaining the visual connection to the exterior.

Both the living and bedroom wings are clad in cedar lap siding that will patina over time and blend more into the wooded lot. It also adds a nuanced texture against the corten steel and verticality of the stair tower. CMU wraps the stair tower marking its prominence to the project. It anchors the overall structure to the site and is the common thread from the basement to the roof. The roof terrace includes landscaped planters and offers panoramic views including the opportunity to take in sunsets to the west across the water to the Virginia horizon.

JURY COMMENTS (If applicable)

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. Potomac View_River View
2. Potomac View_Cliff View
3. Potomac View_Kitchen
4. Potomac View_Bird's eye
5. Potomac View_Approach
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