Projects
Townhouse
A Neoclassical Suburban Estate
Alexandria, Virginia
The nucleus of this Georgian style residence is a 1940's Sears kit in the form of a four-square farm house set back on a 4 acre site. Subsequent additions in the 1970's expanded the house into a phony-colonial, complete with columns, cannon & flag pole. The decision to renovate with substantial modifications was made in order to preserve the bones of the structure, and the idiosyncratic and charming interior plan.
The exterior language is Mid-Atlantic Georgian, reflecting the client's Anglo American union. The roof of the house defines the central core of the five-part Palladian elevation. Hyphens separate the larger 3 elements, composed of center hall, living space with office, and living rooms on either side. Detailing includes a fine porch built of Ohio Sandstone. Replicated iron work patterned from a salvaged Regency style sample is used at the center section and repeating at other locations on the front facade.
Tulip Tree Farm
Middleburg, Virginia
Classical in form yet contemporary in detail, this rural residence combines a weekend retreat with a stable - all in one structure.
Set on 300 rolling acres in Virginia Hunt country, the owners requested a striking piece of architecture in setting and form. The contrast from the wooded arrival drive to open pasture offers the first piece of excitement. the structure sits as a sculptural "object" anchored only by a field stone circular wall acting as a base.
The Palladian 5-part structure is topped with a cupola. Color also accentuates the effect. Light stucco exterior walls contrast sharply with nature no matter the season. the zinc roof adds a reflective farm-industry look to the stable.
Over the first floor working stable, is a sleek 2nd floor apartment with one large multi-purpose living space in the central core. A sculptural spiral stair ascends to the top cupola for 360 degree observation with views of the Bull Run Mountains. Flanking the center room are 3 bedrooms with 3 baths.
1804 Federal Townhouse
Alexandria, Virginia
The best of the past is suberbly renovated in this Federal period house in the Old Town historic district of Alexandria, Virginia.
The oldest part of this 5,000 sq ft house is the 2-1/2 floor single pile brick faced townhouse set right on the sidewalk lot line, originally consisting of only 3 stacked rooms. Later 19th c additions added more rooms directly to the rear, facing an attached side lot. However, much of it's interior Federal details had been stripped and modernized in a 1950's renovation.
After renovating and restoring all the rooms in the original house - a process that took 10 years - a 2-story addition that included a large drawing room, study & powder room with master bedroom suite above, was attached to the rear, forming an ell facing a motor court and small garden on the front and creating a large private garden to rear - a luxury in the dense historic district.
Hidden in this sympathetic unassuming addition, is a large Jeffersonian inspired neoclassical drawing room, rising 12 feet with colossal pilasters, columned arcade, french doors and a fireplace surround inspired by US Capital Architect Charles Bullfinch.. Completing the new arrangement of spaces, the original living room became the library, the dining becoming a study and a beamed, low ceiling family room became a charming dining room.
