The site for this new house was specifically selected for its proximity to nature while remaining connected to the urban amenities of Arlington and DC. From the beginning, the homeowners were mindful of the environmental impact of this house, so the goal was to get the project LEED certified. Even though the owner’s programmatic needs ultimately grew the house to almost 8,000 square feet, the design team was able to obtain LEED Silver for the project. The first floor houses the public spaces of the program: living, dining, kitchen, family room, power room, library, mudroom and screened porch. The second and third floors contain the master suite, four bedrooms, office, three bathrooms and laundry. The entire basement is dedicated to recreational spaces which include a billiard room, craft room, exercise room, media room and a wine cellar. To minimize the mass of the house, the architects designed low bearing roofs to reduce the height from above, while bringing the ground plain up by specifying local Carder Rock stone for the foundation walls. The landscape around the house further anchored the house by installing retaining walls using the same stone as the foundation. The remaining areas on the property were heavily landscaped with climate appropriate vegetation, retaining walls, and minimal turf. Other LEED elements include LED lighting, geothermal heating system, heat-pump water heater, FSA certified woods, low VOC paints and high R-value insulation and windows. Hoachlander Davis Photography

This quaint hideaway sits over a quiet brook just steps from the main house Siemasko + Verbridge designed over 10 years ago. The form, materials and details of the design relate directly to the main house creating a harmonious relationship between the new and old. The carriage house serves as a multi-purpose space for the owners by incorporating a 2 car garage, work shop and office space all under one roof. Photo Credit: Blind Dog Studio

Photo by Rob Kerosis

This three-car garage also encompasses a pool changing room and second floor guest suite.

Photo by Linda Oyama-Bryan

Tripp Smith

Twist Art

Photographer: Tom Crane

Howard Roberts

History, revived. An early 19th century Dutch farmstead, nestled in the hillside of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, offered a storied canvas on which to layer replicated additions and contemporary components. Endowed with an extensive art collection, the house and barn serve as a platform for aesthetic appreciation in all forms.

Linda Oyama Bryan

A stylish blend of cottage living and lavish architectural detail, The Riva Ridge embraces the outdoors in a comfortable and practical floor plan. An exciting ensemble of siding and stone, copper roofing and a detached garage gives this Craftsman home irresistible curb appeal. The interior is immediately welcoming with a large, open foyer. With a rear wall of windows, the great room is bathed in sunlight, which grants widespread illumination. For nature enthusiasts, this home features a rear deck and screened porch with optional fireplace. Completing the first floor is the spacious master suite and a versatile bedroom/study with ceiling treatment and adjacent full bath. The basement level features two bedrooms with full baths, large rec room and outdoor covered patio.