Empty Nest

Project Details

Project Description

Project scope & objectives With their children grown and out of the house, this couple was ready to re-imagine their 1960’s ranch-style home in suburban DC as a place to enjoy their golden years. With an affinity for gardening, an open floor plan with big windows to the outside view was high on the wish list. The original layout was choppy, with lots of small rooms and a staircase that monopolized the entry. The clients wanted more open space for entertaining friends and family, with a sightline straight to the backyard. Extending the living room and adjacent bedroom over the existing patio helped do just that. Project challenges To avoid modifying the entire floor plan, the addition was carefully designed, almost fitting the existing house like a missing puzzle piece. The adjoined exterior creates an interesting architectural detail with large-panel, fiber cement siding that echoes the original siding but with a more modern look. A partition wall separates the bedrooms form the main living space, with a hallway behind to keep visiting children and grandchildren nearby but separate. A clever cutout showcases the animated wall art on the television--a digital display created by the couple's tech-savvy son. The warm wood staircase beneath now strikes a modern, elegant tone, with LED lighting beneath each step for effortless navigation. Project solutions Oversized windows now let in ample natural light and clear views to the surrounding landscape from every room. A pair of ceiling-height horizontal punches in the new addition mirror the entry's geometric custom door, with frosted glass to allow light but retain privacy. Natural white oak flooring throughout creates a cohesive whole. Expanding the living room above created an outdoor alcove on the ground level with an adjacent small crawl space under the deck. A simple slatted wood screen separates the space, keeping it cool and uncluttered, while the addition of coordinating stone tiles and a sculptural ceiling fan now create a cozy outdoor hideaway. In the master bath, ceramic tiles mimic the look of wood planks but are easy maintained. His-and-her vanities in neutral veneer cabinetry coordinate seamlessly with the quartz counters and with the overall palette of the home. The dramatic corner shower requires no threshold for effortless entry—the soaking tub sits to the right, its dual-purpose quartz bench extending into the shower as a convenient resting place. Slim mirrors and contemporary LED lighting complete the serene setting. The new deck provides the perfect place for the couple to enjoy a morning coffee or host a backyard barbecue under the property’s natural green canopy. Contemporary stainless cable railings keep the natural scenery visible from inside while providing a durable, safe solution for the deck and stairs. Sliding doors from the living area to the deck make inside-out entertaining a breeze.