Forested modern home in Maryland offers views of Potomac River

By One Kindesign November 9, 2017

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Architecture Modern Home-Robert Gurney Architect-02-1 Kindesign

Designed by Robert Gurney Architect, this striking newly built modern home is set on a sloping wooded property, showcasing views of the Potomac River. The residence is set in the small community of Mohican Hills, which is located in Glen Echo, Maryland within close proximity to Washington, DC. The architects sited this house to preserve the majority of the mature trees, while orientating it to maximize views of the distant river.

“A linear composition of spaces arranged along the ridge and open to an existing clearing provides a large lawn with minimal site intrusion,” states the architects. The two-story dwelling features an open layout with a double volume main living space and intimates spaces organized adjacent. A small home office was designed on the first level, which has its own private zone away from the main living spaces. This could also be converted in the future to a fifth bedroom.

The entryway into this home is quite dramatic, set three stories high with plenty of transparency, including skylights. The entry volume helps to separate the master bedroom zone from the other bedrooms. The views were maximized throughout the interiors to highlight the forested landscape and river views, in addition to illuminating the home with natural light.

“A combination of intersecting spaces and strategically located high glass panels insure light penetration all times of day and all times of the year,” states the architects. The main level features concrete slab flooring, which provides passive solar energy. The concrete was stained dark to increase the potential solar gain and storage.

This home was designed with energy conservation as a key priority. Large expanses of Energy star glass were incorporated throughout, offering a profusion of natural light. Solar sensitive shades helps to mediate heat gain during the day. Energy-efficient appliances were installed, as well as high-efficiency HVAC Equipment. Wall and ceiling infrastructure was constructed with maximum insulation. A well-ventilated building envelope was developed with the intention of reducing fossil fuel consumption.

Large operable windows and doors were integrated into the home to offer natural ventilation and direct access to the outdoors. Thermally modified wood siding was used on the exterior facade as an alternative to exotic or expensive hardwoods. The wood was sourced from sustainably managed forests and is pressure treated, non-toxic and durable.

What We Love: This modern home in Maryland features carefully designed volumes of domestic activity that seems to maximize visual experiences of this beautiful property. The project offers finely crafted details, an attractive material palette and large expanses of windows to increase natural light and views. Overall this impressive pad was well-executed and is an award winner; as it received an AIA Maryland Design Award in 2016!… Readers, what are your thoughts, do you think the design of this home is award-winning?

Note: Have a look below for the “Related” tags to see more spectacular home tours from the portfolio of Robert Gurney Architect.