PROJECT  Hempstead House

LOCATION  Bethesda, Maryland, US​

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  10/30/2024

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

Design Team Members: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA; Nicole de Jong, AIA

Client: 
Contractor/Construction Manager: DAKS 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: Interior Designer: Therese Baron Gurney, ASID - Baron Gurney Interiors

PROJECT SUMMARY

This project is a renovation of a developer tract house constructed in 1992.
Constructed as one of a pair of mirror imaged houses, the entry on the subject property was not visible as one approached the property. The garage was prevalent and the garage door prominent while the entry was hidden. Interior spaces were compartmentalized. The finishes were typical of the suburban 1990’s “spec house” genre, with “colonial” trim, moldings, and detailing.

After living in the house since it was built, the owners were ready for a new chapter in their lives and embarked on a complete renovation of the house. Their “wish list” included modern, open living spaces that were light filled with connectivity to outdoor spaces and the rear garden.

Remnants of the existing house, including the basement, garage and fireplace with chimney were retained. This approach streamlined the permitting process, reduced material waste, shortened the construction timeframe and lowered costs. Additionally, the existing utility infrastructure could be retained and incorporated into the new construction.

Since deciding that the garage and building footprint would remain for the reasons outlined above, defining the previously hidden entry was important. A projecting overhang, board formed concrete walls with a bench and a new Corten steel planter are designed as a gateway to announce the covered walkway leading to the new, red pivoting entry door. Bright, painted steel columns animate the composition.

Inside, the house is organized around a double height space. Simple pure forms respond to the pre-existing footprint. Tall windows on the south side welcome light and views to the trees while masking the neighboring houses. A window wall with large sliding door panels opens to a new terrace and rear garden. The interior spaces are light filled, ordered, open, restrained and clutter-free. Clear and gray stained white oak flooring and millwork combine with natural stone to provide a consistent material palette used throughout. Small accents of primary colors weave through the project.

A ventilated rainscreen system, insulation far exceeding building code requirements and highly efficient equipment and appliances are employed. Durable and sustainable materials are utilized throughout.

Stormwater is diverted to a rain garden and ample green space is maintained. This renovation strives to breathe new life into an aging suburban home, while aligning with modern, sustainability principles and environmental responsibilities.

JURY COMMENTS (if applicable)

Smart use of the existing building, with the flowing interior and exterior spaces at the rear of the building deserving the most commendation. The double height living room is a spectacular space.

Sophisticated exterior materials and detailing. Love the warmth of the exteriors with intentional pops of chroma. Great use of solid/void to create privacy while maximizing views/daylighting.

Hempstead House successfully transforms a fairly generic suburban home into something architecturally distinctive without completely erasing what was there. The new entry establishes a clear identity and sense of arrival, while the double-height living space and extensive glazing are particularly successful in bringing in natural light and creating a strong connection to the landscape. A clean material palette with playful color accents gives the interiors character without overwhelming the architecture. Equally important is the decision to retain substantial portions of the existing structure, demonstrating that reuse can be as meaningful a sustainability strategy as adding new technologies. Overall, the project gives new life to aging suburban housing and is a strong example of how thoughtful transformation and reuse can bring architectural quality to established neighborhoods.

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