When Bob Gurney’s client approached him with this renovation project in downtown D.C., there was almost nothing left to save of the 1890s building, part of a row of 13 built through the decade. “It had not been occupied for 8 or 10 years, and there was water pouring down through the roof. Typically, if there are nice historic elements to blend in, we will. But this house was in shambles.”
There was little to salvage, and yet the local neighborhood council insisted on a high level of restoration on the exterior, including window muntins and lights, brick patterns, and the original front door that had had panels punched out. Fortunately, builder Ted Peterson was more than up to the task, and the front and rear elevation now look better than new.
Inside, the firm had carte blanche to reimagine levels, functions, and flow. An existing basement was lowered by 16 feet and transformed into a workspace with separate entrance. An open living, dining, and kitchen area occupy the main level; the primary bedroom takes up the whole second level with a new addition; and a guest bedroom suite crowns the top floor.
Our jury admired the aesthetics and livability of the interiors, offering special praise for the wide metal and wood stair that conveys natural light from a skylight down through the main levels of the house.
Citation
Renovation
Robert M. Gurney, Architect
Riggs
Washington, D.C.
Project Credits
Architect: Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, principal; Kara R. McHone, project architect, Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect, Washington, D.C.
Builder: Ted Peterson, Peterson & Collins, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland
Interior Designer: Therese Baron Gurney, ASID, Baron Gurney Interiors, Washington, D.C.
Project Size: 3,668 square feet
Site Size: 0.043 acre
construction cost: Withheld
Photography: Anice Hoachlander
Key Products
Cooking Ventilation/Ovens: Miele
Cooktop: Wolf
Countertops: Custom; Corian
Dishwasher: Bosch
Entry Doors/Windows/Window Walls: Pella; Dynamic Fenestration
Faucets: Dornbracht; Fantini
Fireplace insert: Ortal
Lighting Control: Lutron
Paints: Sherwin-Williams
Refrigerator/Wine Cooling: Sub-Zero
Roofing: Green roof system by LiveRoof
Sinks: Franke; Kohler; VIGO
Toilets: TOTO
Tub: WETSTYLE