Rowhouse Reconceived

Our main goals for this 1890’s Victorian rowhouse were to transform the enclosed porch and darkened kitchen into light-filled, useful living areas, provide connection between the house and outdoors, and relate the rear façade to the existing Victorian structure.

A breakfast room was created within the footprint of the existing porch, extending the home’s living space.  The primarily north facing room incorporates tall windows with panels below and a French door to recreate the feel of a traditional enclosed porch. Existing structural members were replaced to meet current building codes, and the exterior trim elements were completely redesigned and replaced to create a new facade.

The kitchen was reoriented within its existing footprint to a simple galley layout, and a large opening between the reconfigured kitchen and breakfast room provides open circulation to the rear of the house. New windows along the west wall provide additional light. Finishes were selected to blend with the existing Victorian home.

“This design is transformative within the constraints of the project. They've created really nice spaces to live in.”

“This is a very nice project and a great renovation story. I like that in lieu of demolition, the owner and architect opted to work with the existing historic structure, breathing new life into it.”
- AIA Potomac Valley 2021 Awards Jury