Before and After: A Faded Mid-Century Becomes Luminous
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From HxH Architects PLLC
A couple fell in love with a Mid-Century home in the Crestwood Neighborhood of Washington DC. Built in 1957, the exterior of the home had character, blending with an assemblage of original homes along Rock Creek Park. The interior, however, was laden with dark and dated finishes, some from misguided ‘improvements’ from the late 80's. Rooms were compartmentalized and lacked connection to limited window availability.
The renovated home celebrates light and view. New windows, some in strategic locations, replaced original single pane aluminum sliders. Window placement is highly responsive to the house setting along Rock Creek Park. Subtle room reconfiguration also ensures that each room has ample daylighting and visual access to the home's unique natural surroundings.
Materials have been chosen with a nod towards the Mid-Century Era, and detailed as cleanly and geometrically as possible. Lightness of material is favored over darker tones. Bright terrazzo in the entry hall and kitchen spaces lead to naturally finished wide plank wood flooring in bedrooms and living spaces. Millwork is white oak with bright concrete countertops. Walls, including original brick structural walls, are bathed in a subtle light grey. Black and bronze hardware help anchor the abundant lightness.
Care has been taken to maintain the exterior brick structure of the house, both for budget reasons and also as a nod to the consistency of the neighboring houses along the street. Existing floors and most interior walls at the bedrooms and garage remained, as did the main stair structure. Although the home’s mechanical equipment remained, ductwork was rerouted in most rooms, and spray insulation added throughout.
Built-ins millwork and finishes are especially important at the basement level. Once a dark storage space with heavy wall panels and a suspended tile ceiling, the basement lacked any sense of hospitality. Ceilings were oddly dropped to make way for an old duct supply and low beam. A sunken living room at the floor above made the ceiling heights feel unnaturally low.
The renovated basement is now flanked by built in program, including media and storage, a library nook, a wet bar, and a gas fireplace. Larger window openings add critically needed natural light. The existing concrete slab is upgraded with a white concrete topping material. The basement is a glorious space for entertaining.