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QUARRY HOUSE

Project Description

Located on a steeply sloping wooded lot, this house embodies a program that is as unique as its site. The house is tailored to both the work life and social life of the owner, a professional photographer, and has three major components: a bedroom wing, a photography studio with an office, and a spacious living area for entertaining. The composition of the house was driven not only by programmatic requirements, but also by specific site features. Because of both the topography and the wide setbacks on two sides, the lot defied traditional suburban development. The design approach was unconventional and required thoughtful placement of the three main volumes. The bedroom wing aligns with an old quarry road to the south, while the photography studio is at an angle parallel to the north property line and is partially nestled in the earth. The glass living room suspended between the two solid pieces commands a view of the street, the woods, and the entire surrounding neighborhood.

Awards: 2002 AIA DC Washington Chapter Award of Excellence; 2003 AIA DC Washington Chapter/Washingtonian ResidentiaI AlA Design Award; 2006 AIA Maryland Residential Award of Merit; 2006 AIA Potomac Valley Chapter ResidentiaI AlA Awards of Merit

Photographer:  Maxwell Mackenzie

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