PROJECT  Exeter Road House

LOCATION  Bethesda, Maryland, US​

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  9/30/2023

Firm(s): Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect 

Design Team Members: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA; Kara McHone

Client: 
Contractor/Construction Manager: Potomac Valley Builders

Landscape Architect: Campion Hruby Landscape Architects

Structural Engineer: United Structural Engineers, Inc.

Civil Engineer: 

Mechanical Engineer: 

Electrical Engineer: 

Photographer(s): Anice Hoachlander
Additional project support: 

PROJECT SUMMARY

After living in their 1938 Brick colonial house for 29 years, the owners desired a change from the small, dark, and compartmentalized spaces typical of this building era. They loved their tree-lined neighborhood, located within walking distance of shops, restaurants and other urban amenities afforded in their town, near Washington, DC. After looking at various options, including renovating the existing house, it was determined that due to the aging infrastructure, low ceiling heights and uninsulated, inefficient building envelope, it was not economically feasible to efficiently update the existing structure. Instead, the house was dismantled and donated, and a new house was designed to occupy essentially the same footprint, minimally disturbing the mature trees and vegetation on and around the site. Additionally, this approach allowed the major utilities servicing the structure to be retained.

The house is organized around a double height glass enclosed living space located to optimize southern and western light infiltration while maximizing views toward the “greenbelt” that visually separates the adjacent lots. A centrally located staircase provides a dynamic circulation element, allowing views through the spaces and towards the rear garden. A generous, partially covered rooftop deck provides additional outdoor living spaces and directs views toward the “greenbelt” and allées of adjacent rear gardens.

While the new house is intended to be respectful of the existing context, it is divergent from the neighborhood precedent, employing the most recent technologies, building science, and construction methodology. A ventilated rainscreen system, insulation far exceeding mandated requirements and highly efficient equipment are employed. Stormwater is diverted to rain gardens and ample green space is maintained.

The project is designed so the primary spaces engage the private, rear garden while secondary and service spaces address the street. Expanses of glass with large operable panels promote contiguous indoor / outdoor living, visually and physically connecting the interior with the garden. A rooftop deck employs the same strategy resulting in a space reminiscent of a tree-house. Simple, pure forms respond to program and zoning envelope requirements. Planes at varying depths, clad in differing materials are intended to reduce the perceived scale and animate the composition as seen from the front yard. Durable and sustainable materials are utilized throughout.

The house is designed in scale to the neighborhood, maintaining the rhythm and setbacks of the street. The rear yard aligns with and continues the open space shared by neighboring properties and the “greenbelt” of trees separating the yards is maintained.

Interior spaces are light filled, ordered, open, restrained and clutter-free fitting to the lifestyle of a 21st Century family.

JURY COMMENTS (if applicable)

This house has an impressive volume of interior space that dissolves the boundaries between inside and outside. The interior organization around a central stair provides delightful connections within the house as well. The roof terrace looks like a wonderful gathering space for the family within a tight site. 

The central stair is a beautifully detailed organizing element for the house. The covered deck on the top level is a great amenity for the homeowners. The rear glazing pattern is refreshingly playful. 

Exeter Road House is a strong contemporary response to a traditional neighborhood, with carefully composed volumes and materials that help reduce the perceived scale of the three-story home. The double-height living volume with floor-to-ceiling windows is particularly successful, bringing abundant natural light into the primary living areas and creating a dramatic connection to the mature landscape. The central open stair reinforces the openness and visual connectivity between levels, while the private rooftop terraces act as natural extensions of the interior living spaces and provide additional opportunities to engage the outdoors.

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. Anice Hoachlander
2. Anice Hoachlander
3. Anice Hoachlander
4. Anice Hoachlander
5. Anice Hoachlander
6. Anice Hoachlander
7. Anice Hoachlander
8. Anice Hoachlander