Mason Neck Residence

Perched on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., this modern Dogtrot-style home was designed with efficiency and affordability in mind. The 1,900 SF footprint leveraged the cost-effective construction method of pre-fabrication to meet our client’s budget and contemporary taste.  The long and narrow floor plan created an opportunity to showcase the beautiful sunset, hillside, and river views through ample windows. Another creative solution to the constraints of the modular design included creating a separate staircase enclosure attached to the side of the house. The enclosure is wrapped in polycarbonate with strategically placed lighting and apetures, making the stairwell glow like a beacon at night. The home is anchored to the landscape via piers to minimize the impact on the land and the existing water flow down the hill.

A courtyard is formed by pulling apart the primary residence and the guest quarters framing the downhill view, with a spacious covered deck connecting the structures. The first level is designed to entertain with a living room, dining area, kitchen, powder room, and a mudroom with laundry. On the second level, there is a private owner’s suite and an adjacent office overlooking the living room with a white, pleated, perforated metal screen acting as a guard rail that floats between the levels, providing partial separation between the living room and dining area/kitchen from above. The guest building boasts a workshop with direct deck access, a bedroom, a full bathroom, and a private roof deck with elevated views of the property. Standing seam vertical metal siding covers the exterior, adding to the home’s modern aesthetic. This residence is a creative convergence of design and practicality, providing affordable modern living for our client’s unique lifestyle.