Launch Slideshow

Designers removed the entire entry wall and installed a glass wall with a glass pivot door that immediately welcomes visitors to the home.

Honorable Mention: Neat Solution

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Honorable Mention: Neat Solution

  • The owner bought the house specificallly for the lush yard. With the remodel she is now able to enjoy it from inside as well as out.

    http://www.remodelingtoolbox.org/Images/tmp2E7C%2Etmp_tcm17-203699.jpg

    The owner bought the house specificallly for the lush yard. With the remodel she is now able to enjoy it from inside as well as out.

    600

    Anice Hoachlander

    The owner bought the house specificallly for the lush yard. With the remodel she is now able to enjoy it from inside as well as out.

  • The new breakfast room extends beyond the body of the house, providing natural light and panormaic views.

    http://www.remodelingtoolbox.org/Images/tmp2E7F%2Etmp_tcm17-203720.jpg

    The new breakfast room extends beyond the body of the house, providing natural light and panormaic views.

    600

    Anice Hoachlander

    The new breakfast room extends beyond the body of the house, providing natural light and panormaic views.

  • In the living room, crisp, white walls replaced dark paneling. The existing firebox was reclad in stone. The small window near the fireplace adds a fresh detail as well as extra ventilation.

    http://www.remodelingtoolbox.org/Images/tmp2E7E%2Etmp_tcm17-203713.jpg

    In the living room, crisp, white walls replaced dark paneling. The existing firebox was reclad in stone. The small window near the fireplace adds a fresh detail as well as extra ventilation.

    600

    Anice Hoachlander

    In the living room, crisp, white walls replaced dark paneling. The existing firebox was reclad in stone. The small window near the fireplace adds a fresh detail as well as extra ventilation.

  • The existing house had the charm of a rural farm structure. The renovation built on this character while enriching the materials and textures. The new base is made of stone from a local quarry.

    http://www.remodelingtoolbox.org/Images/tmp2E7D%2Etmp_tcm17-203706.jpg

    The existing house had the charm of a rural farm structure. The renovation built on this character while enriching the materials and textures. The new base is made of stone from a local quarry.

    600

    Anice Hoachlander

    The existing house had the charm of a rural farm structure. The renovation built on this character while enriching the materials and textures. The new base is made of stone from a local quarry.

Honorable Mention: Neat Solution
Location: McLean, Va.
Contractor: J.L. Albrittain, J.L. Albrittain Inc., Arlington, Va.
Designer: Randall Mars, AIA, Randall Mars Architects, McLean
Interior designer: Dolly Howarth, Howarth Design, Arlington, Va.

Challenge: To increase the space and light in this sturdily built but tired 1970s home while adding little to the footprint.

Solution: Architect Randall Mars removed existing dark cherry paneling and sent it off-site to be reused. He knocked down walls and installed large windows. The master bedroom was reduced in size, eliminating a separate room with a water closet. The resulting area is more spacious and efficient. Eaves overhangs were increased, passively controlling heat gain. The only added square footage is a small breakfast room that brings fresh air and natural light into the kitchen. Now the homeowner has access to the lush yard, which was one of the main reasons she bought the property. Judges said: “Our favorite part is the front entrance where the designers deleted the solid wall and replaced it with a transparent wall. The light catches in the dining room in the center of the house.” “The project has nice composition and is well-proportioned.”

--Stacey Freed, senior editor, REMODELING.