2021 AIA Northern Virginia Juror Citation

The Lewis House was designed in 1941 by prolific Washington D.C. architect Charles Goodman, known for the design of the original National Airport. In 1948 the home appeared House and Garden magazine, detailing its flexible living spaces, practical materials, and connection to the outdoors. The family home modeled a new way of modern living during the period.

Decades later, the home stood in a state of serious disrepair. This project aimed bring the house back to life. By restoring significant design elements and reimagining spaces to meet contemporary demands, the new design sought to deliver a balance between beauty and function that would complement the architect’s original intent.

The rigorous restoration left much of the existing fabric intact, however approximately 80% of the structure was renovated over a period of three years. Throughout the house, walls of windows, a hallmark of Goodman’s architecture, were restored with matching frames and hardware, while new windows were replicated to blend seamlessly with the originals. On the interior, the dining and living room footprints remained. Trademark Goodman features like the red brick fireplace and built-in cabinetry were also preserved in place.

Its unique redwood siding was replaced- a design choice that balanced first cost with the long-term value of long-lasting, rot-resistant old-growth salvaged redwood. Other considerations for sustainability and energy conservation included TPO roofing, insulated glass windows, and new insulation to make the building envelope more efficient.

Over the years the walkout basement had undergone a number of changes leaving it dark and enclosed. Working to provide more usable space and an improved connection to nature, the basement underwent a substantial renovation that included reorganizing the layout, rebuilding foundation walls, and installing a new concrete slab. Space flows easily between the home’s redesigned garden level and yard. This opportunity for true indoor/outdoor living supports health and well-being, and provides greater comfort for the owner.

Cantilevering over the landscaped lot, the updated master bedroom and bathroom blends midcentury charm with contemporary style. The dramatic folded room, a reference to Goodman’s penchant for distinctive rooflines, replaced the bedroom’s old drop ceiling and adds visual interest to the refreshed space.

A large, open kitchen now connects the house to the two-story addition. Bright and airy, the custom kitchen is outfitted with sustainable Poggenpohl cabinetry and Heath tiles. A floating cube makes room for a seating nook in another nod to Goodman geometry.

Inspired by the home’s modernist history, the new addition stands on the site of the once dilapidated garage. The stacked volume--with a garage below and more living space above--replicates the home’s original box-like forms. The addition also helps frame the redesigned entry, which was previously hidden below grade. After extensive regrading, the new entry sequence welcomes the visitor via stone pathway to a neatly landscaped courtyard.

Additionally, retaining walls were built to accommodate the addition and outdoor living area. Other improvements include new plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems as well as period appropriate lighting.

Continuing Goodman’s tradition of merging modernism with contemporary tastes and preferences, the project strived to reinvigorate this timeless design, emphasize the importance of historic preservation, and demonstrate viable alternatives to tearing buildings down and rebuilding new.