By enclosing a side porch and bumping out the back of this 1940s Cape Cod a few feet, the architect was able to fulfill the owners' request for a casual layout that takes advantage of the expansive backyard. The solution complements the existing structure, as well, with the new floor plan enhancing the existing bones of the house, the judges said.
The jury particularly liked the home's new entry, which architect Jane Treacy relocated to just left of center, setting up larger rooms for the library, galley kitchen, and family room and, to the left, a smaller space for stairs, a mudroom, and a home office. Treacy added weight to the new front door with trim and sidelights. The front porch across the length of the house also adds interest to the façade.
The new, open kitchen and the family room, situated along the back of the house, provide the casual living atmosphere the owners wanted. Replacing the rear's existing door and two windows with a full row of windows and a set of French doors opens up views and access to the backyard. The screened porch in back also gives the owners more of a connection to the outdoors.
Category: Whole-house remodeling, $250,000 to $500,000
Location: Bethesda, Md.
Contractor: Nick Carson, Carson & Associates, Washington, D.C.
Designer: Jane Treacy, Treacy & Eagleburger Architects, Washington, D.C.
