PROJECT  Steep Creek House

LOCATION Potomac, Maryland, US​

ARCHITECT Ziger|Snead Architects

CLIENT

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM Douglas Bothner, Michael Westrate

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Campion Hruby Landscape Architects
CONTRACTOR Added Dimensions

ENGINEERS
1200 Architectural Engineering
CAS Engineering



PHOTOGRAPHER Tom Holdsworth

CONSULTANTS (if applicable)

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  5/1/2019

PROJECT SUMMARY
Perched overlooking 5 acres of woods and stream, the Steep Creek House is a contemporary retreat designed for a young family to grow into while fostering a strong connection to place. The four bedroom, 5,400 SF home is set on a thick concrete wall that acts as a dividing spine along the cascading contours of the steeply sloped and tightly constrained site. The upper portion defines a formal landscape leading as entry into a large open living space with glass walls connecting the interior to the forest below. The textured Shou Sugi Ban upper level contrasts from the supporting, smooth concrete base. Integrated wood screens provide privacy and shading while allowing for outside air to flow through the home. Large expanses of metal framed window walls maximize views of the surrounding forest, blurring interior and exterior spaces. Clean and direct geometries combine with natural materials to express rawness and simplicity.

The plan is influenced by traditional feng shui relationships for spaces with the primary suite on the northeast corner and the in-law suite on the southeast corner. Additional bedrooms and family room are located on the lower level with a central stair connecting the spaces. Sunlight filters from a light monitor over the stair emphasizing the stair as a focal element within the home. The mirrored glass monitor extends above the roof of the house reflecting the surrounding landscape during the day and acting as a lantern at night, emitting a soft glow against the dark backdrop of the forest.

JURY COMMENTS (if applicable)

IMAGES – CAPTIONS & CREDITS

Image 1  Exterior at Dusk - Tom Holdsworth Photography
Image 2  Exterior - Tom Holdsworth Photography
Image 3  Interior - Tom Holdsworth Photography
Image 4  Exterior from Below - Tom Holdsworth Photography
Image 5  Entry Elevation - Tom Holdsworth Photography
Image 6  Stair and Light Monitor - Tom Holdsworth Photography
Image 7  Primary Bath - Tom Holdsworth Photography
Image 8  Interior to Exterior - Tom Holdsworth Photography

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF