Bethesda, Maryland
While Washingtonians haven’t exactly led the pack in their desire for modern residences, Robert Gurney, a D.C.-based architect, says that has dramatically changed since he began his practice in 1990. “Now there’s no shortage of people who want to do modern projects,” he says, including his client who commissioned two neighboring houses in Glen Echo, Maryland, just outside the city. (Incidentally, Glen Echo is home to an enclave of about 20 mid-century houses by Keyes, Lethbridge, and Condon.)
The client, a developer, lives in one of the two, an 8,255-square-foot concrete-and-wood structure clad in mahogany, cement-board panels, and corrugated metal. The architect divided formal and informal spaces between two main rectilinear volumes, which connect via a glass bridge to form a T-shaped plan. Formal living and dining rooms are housed in the southern volume, while a kitchen, more relaxed living space, and garage define the northern one. Gurney further articulated the cubic forms by cantilevering some of the bedrooms.
Mondrian-inspired steel-framed windows lead to the woods and an infinity pool. With views of the Potomac as well, “this is so much about the outdoors,” says Gurney.
PeopleFormal name of building: Location: Completion Date (Month and Year): Gross square footage: Total construction cost: Owner: Architect's firm name, address, phone, and fax number: Architect of record: Project architect: Structural Engineer: General contractor: Photographer(s): CAD system, project management, or other software used: |
ProductsStructural system: Manufacturer of any structural components unique to this project: Exterior cladding: Rainscreen (terra cotta, composite, etc.): Sil-Leed™ Fiber Cement Cladding Panels, by Cement Board Fabricators Wood: 1x6 Mahogany Rainscreen Moisture barrier: VaproShield WallShield ; Tyvek HomeWrap Roofing: Windows: Metal frame: Hope's Steel Windows Glazing: Doors: Hardware: Interior finishes: Paints and stains: Sherwin Williams Solid surfacing: Caesarstone; Corian Special surfacing: custom Orbital-Finish ½” Aluminum Plate Floor and wall tile (cite where used): Pompeii wall tile (Dining Room); Baltimore; Limestone floor & wall tile (Master Bathroom); Janegrey Sandstone floor & wall tile (Bathroom); Arctic White Ceramic wall tile (Bathroom) Resilient flooring: 5” Quarter-Sawn White Oak; 1x6 Mahogany for exterior decking Special interior finishes unique to this project: Terrazzo flooring (First Floor) Lighting: Downlights: Lightolier Exterior: Stonco Dimming System or other lighting controls: Lutron Plumbing: |
