This new geothermally heated -home in McLean, Virginia is inspired by the Colonial architecture found in the region. Situated on a stunning site bordering wooded conservation land with towering oak and beech trees, the connection to nature is of paramount importance. 

The massing of the house employs three main volumes connected by interstitial spaces which emulate the aggregation of outbuildings over time seen in period architecture of the region. Ironically, we did not utilize distressed materials, preferring to allow the copper, wood, stone and terne coat metal to patina naturally over the course of the first few years after completion. While the main facades of the house adhere to historical precedent, and the front rooms have traditional formality, the rear of the house opens up to the surrounding landscape with multi-purpose spaces and monumental windows.

The major social space of the home is the kitchen which has a conservatory-style breakfast bay, and a separate conversation area with sofas and a fireplace. Several patios physically extend the interior rooms into the landscape, reinforcing the porous connection between interior and exterior.

 

The historic appearance of the home belies the modern technology and progressive design strategies employed in its design. Daylighting and passive solar strategies assist in the regulation of temperature throughout the year. And an array of 200' deep borings provide wells for the geothermal system, driven by a ground-source heat pump, and providing heating, cooling and hot water to the house. Inside, smartphone-controlled audiovisual systems and lighting controls add modern conveniences.