RENOVATION OVER DEMOLITION
Our studio was apprehensive when our repeat clients approached us to consider demolishing an existing two story brick house to building a new home in the McLean neighborhood of Northern Virginia. It felt counterintuitive to their plan of downsizing after selling a much larger home and transitioning to become empty nesters. After meeting and walking through the existing 3,000 square feet existing brick house that sits prominently at the corner lot, it became more clear that renovating, rather than tearing down, would be more budget-friendly and the more environmentally conscious path.
Everyone was on board to save the structure with careful design consideration to improve its curb appeal. A contemporary farmhouse black-and-white color scheme was determined to match our clients’ aesthetic. Dated window shutters were removed on the front windows. The heights of the upper level windows were increased to bring in more light into the major interior spaces. All the windows, in ebony finish, were replaced with new and more energy efficient units. The main entrance was reconfigured with a pair of 8 foot tall french doors with frosted glass. To highlight the main entrance and provide a sense of prominence to the house, a new portico is designed that matches the scale and proportion of the facade.
