Creating The Not So Big Addition

The owners of this Bethesda brick Cape decided to forgo the temptation to do the typical large addition. Instead they resolved to add just enough space for a new ground floor master suite, hall bath, kitchen and also expand the second floor by one additional bedroom. The quid pro quo of the decision to go smaller enabled more extensive interior remodeling and upgraded finishes.

The exterior rear addition uses a matching brick base to better blend the addition with the original house. However, the upper walls and gables are a combination of cement siding and shingles to create visual interest and scale.

For the interiors the goal was simple, reduce clutter and change the traditional detailing to a cleaner contemporary look. The homeowner specifically asked reclaimed "Old Growth" timbers and wood planks be incorporated into the interior palate. The vintage wood is featured in the kitchen ceiling, kitchen bar wall, island base and TV-FP entertainment center.

Lastly, a new ground floor 3/4 bathroom was designed to serve as both the guest powder and bedroom bath. The curbless shower alcove is placed discreetly around the corner and behind the powder area to create the sense of a separate guest powder.