House Renovation 1662 / Robert M. Gurney Architect

House Renovation 1662  / Robert M. Gurney Architect - Exterior Photography, Door, Windows, Facade
© Anice Hoachlander

House Renovation 1662  / Robert M. Gurney Architect - Interior Photography, Table, ChairHouse Renovation 1662  / Robert M. Gurney Architect - Exterior Photography, Windows, FacadeHouse Renovation 1662  / Robert M. Gurney Architect - Interior Photography, Table, Windows, ChairHouse Renovation 1662  / Robert M. Gurney Architect - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, FacadeHouse Renovation 1662  / Robert M. Gurney Architect - More Images+ 19

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House Renovation 1662  / Robert M. Gurney Architect - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© Anice Hoachlander

Text description provided by the architects. Located in historic Georgetown, this project transforms a tiny, traditional rowhouse into an open, modern dwelling for a family of four. The existing house comprised 2 bedrooms and 1½ bathrooms.

House Renovation 1662  / Robert M. Gurney Architect - Exterior Photography, Windows, Brick, Facade
© Anice Hoachlander

The kitchen was in the basement and the family of four shared one bathroom. Living areas were compartmentalized and disconnected from a long linear garden. A narrow addition allows for access to the basement and an egress window for a middle bedroom on the third floor.

House Renovation 1662  / Robert M. Gurney Architect - Interior Photography, Table, Chair
© Anice Hoachlander

The two bedrooms in the existing house are redesigned with ceilings taken up to the roof line – exposing the dormer in the front and adding a skylight in the back. These rooms are now flooded with natural light. The rooms in the addition, a master suite on the second level with a living room below, benefit from tall ceilings that counteract their narrow widths.

House Renovation 1662  / Robert M. Gurney Architect - Interior Photography, Stairs, Windows, Handrail
© Anice Hoachlander
Plan after renovation
House Renovation 1662  / Robert M. Gurney Architect - Interior Photography, Windows, Stairs, Beam, Handrail
© Anice Hoachlander

Glass is used to extend these interior spaces to the exterior and make them feel generous and calm. Exposed brick and stone walls, Danish Douglas fir floors, and rich cabinetry create a warm but minimal interior aesthetic. This clean modern addition and whole house renovation is an honest witness to its existence in today’s realm, and not a throwback replica of the past.

House Renovation 1662  / Robert M. Gurney Architect - Interior Photography, Table, Windows, Chair
© Anice Hoachlander

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Project location

Address:Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "House Renovation 1662 / Robert M. Gurney Architect" 14 Apr 2020. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/937144/house-renovation-1662-robert-m-gurney-architect> ISSN 0719-8884

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