This renovated and reconstructed residence sits on a pastoral 5-acre site in suburban Virginia. The existing house contained two parts: an Upper and a Lower House, with a glass link connecting the two and serving as the main entrance and connecting stair. The Upper and Lower Houses previously had low pitched roofs, with only an 8’ high ceiling and limited views of the site from all directions.  Capturing this beautiful landscape view was the starting point for the project.  The Lower House was taken down to slab level and rebuilt with a steep shed roof, creating a 20’ tall wall of glass. The Upper House was fully renovated as a low shed roof, containing bedrooms and private spaces, while the Lower House contains all of the major shared spaces, including Kitchen, Dining, Living, Den, and Office.
 
In the newly-constructed Lower House, a steel frame allows a clear span for the width of the house, and therefore total flexibility of use. A mezzanine is nestled within the steel structure structure, creating a “swing” space for use as an office, sleeping loft, or additional living space, as the need arises. All mechanical equipment is in an underground crawlspace, freeing up the living space to be open and sculptural.  Interior materials include recycled products, such as GeoBoard, and exterior materials include charred wood siding and standing seam metal roofing.