This 1912 home is prominently situated on a lot filled with many mature trees, overlooking the Glen Echo Ravine, and it is a stunning example of side-gabled American Craftsman Bungalow style architecture. The front porch, patio, and second floor terrace are oriented to take full advantage of sweeping views into the beautiful, wooded ravine. Most original features remain, although some poorly conceived previous alterations will be undone as part of this project. Care is being taken to retain and restore original architectural features and materials, and to sensitively integrate new elements. RKA has collaborated closely with our Client to develop a Two-Phase Master Plan for restoration, renovations, an addition, and other interventions.

Phase 1-Short Term work includes: A new custom designed privacy fence, with a trellis gateway at the front entrance, that replaces the previous fence that was in extremely poor condition. A new enclosed exterior 'Dog-Area', with synthetic turf with a new 'dog door’ access. RKA also collaborated with the Landscape Architect on a new Landscape Master Plan for the site. A first-floor space will be repurposed to create a new Laundry Room, Dog Wash Area, and a new Full Bath. A new foundation and footing was added at the perimeter of the space, which was formerly supported by only a corner pier. An oddly proportioned stained-glass window in the Living Room will be replaced with new casement windows, bringing back the original fenestration, and exterior views, to this space. New energy efficient LED lighting will be added throughout the home, along with new decorative light fixtures in some spaces. Two high sloped ceiling spaces will receive new RKA designed cove lights to evenly illuminate the sloped ceilings with indirect, concealed LED fixtures. RKA also provided interior design services, assisting our Client with finish materials and paint color selections, and new furniture selections and layout.

Phase 2-Long Term work includes: A two-story addition that replaces the architecturally incompatible, and leaky, 1970's solarium structure with a new first floor Sunroom, and a second floor new Primary Bath above. The existing Primary Bedroom does not have an en-suite bath. A new Primary Closet will be created within the existing bedroom. When the addition is completed, our client will have a new, larger, daylight filled space for growing indoor plants, and a fully upgraded Primary Suite. Architecturally, the new addition roof form is a single slope roof that extends from the first floor up to the new portion of the second floor. This new roof takes its cues from the original main roof form, replacing the incompatible solarium, and non-original one-story rear entry. The addition will blend in nicely with the original Craftsman massing, while also adding a distinctly modern intervention to this special home on a ravine.