Kube Architecture
A family living in Chevy Chase, Md., found its suburban tract home to be too tight and closed off, prompting a meeting with Washington, D.C.–based Kube Architecture. What the clients sought was more openness and a greater connection to the outdoors. Taking advantage of a large backyard, the architects added two wings to the existing home—a new master suite, and an extended kitchen and dining area—changing the overall plan into a U shape surrounding a newly formed courtyard. Inside, the removal of partition walls transformed the small existing rooms into a 2,230-square-foot open plan, and exterior walls were replaced with sliding glass doors. Uninterrupted ipe flooring forms a seamless transition from the central living area outside to the deck, which is shaded with vertical wooden slats. “This project took what was a pretty flat and typical backyard and made it into something just extraordinary,” said juror Josh Shelton. “It’s just full of energy and full of pop.”
Click here to see all of the winners of the 2014 Residential Architect Design Awards.
Drawings
Project Credits
Project Casa Abierta, Chevy Chase, Md.
Architect Kube Architecture, Washington, D.C.—Janet Bloomberg, AIA (partner); Rich Loosle-Ortega (principal)
General Contractor Housecraft—Stas Wronka
Structural Engineer Keast & Hood
Steel Fabricator Metal Specialties
Photography Paul Burke
Project Size 2,230 square feet
Construction Cost Withheld
Materials and Sources
Bathroom Cabinets Ikea ikea.com
Bathroom Fittings and Fixtures Hansgrohe hansgrohe-usa.com
Countertops Caesarstone caesarstoneus.com
Doors Western Window Systems westernwindowsystems.com
Exterior Siding James Hardie (HardiePanel) jameshardie.com; Viroc viroc.pt
Flooring Davida’s Kitchen & Tiles davidaskitchenandtiles.com; Atlas Hardwood Floors (maple and Brazilian mahogany) atlashardwoodfloorsinc.com
Hardware Omnia Industries omniaindustries.com
HVAC Carrier carrier.com
Kitchen Cabinets Ikea ikea.com
Kitchen Fittings and Fixtures Hansgrohe hansgrohe-usa.com
Paints and Finishes Sherwin-Williams Co. sherwin-williams.com
Roofing Single-ply membrane
Windows Western Window Systems westernwindowsystems.com
