Washington, DC - "Green" Addition

Brief Explanation of the Scope of Work

The owners of this Spring Valley home wanted to add a second level master suite so that they could be on the same level as their small children.

The optimal location for adding the master suite was above an existing one story section of the home. The new space at the second level created a light filled and elegant space with a substantial master bedroom, luxurious master bathroom, a desk/sitting alcove, and ample closet space. The new master suite also incorporates a narrow morning porch that provides a nice visual connection to the rear yard and the continuation of an architectural language used at the front facade.

Unusual Constraints/Challenges and Creative Solutions

One particular challenge on this project was negotiating the local zoning rules. A nonconforming side yard necessitated consultation with the zoning board and, ultimately, an application for a special exception. This process took six months, but ultimately was successful.

As is typical with any add-story project, one of our biggest concerns was keeping the existing structure dry and secure. By first setting the floor framing with most of the existing roof in place, we minimized the home's exposure to the elements. When the roof was finally removed, all the wall framing and roof structure were completed within extended work days.

In this type of project, we would typically order trusses to expedite the roof framing. However, due to the homeowners' desire for a more dramatic cathedral ceiling, we engineered and then site built a roof system utilizing heavy collar ties, a ridge beam and TJI rafters.

A second floor morning porch was designed to ease the new massing at the rear elevation and to provide some passive solar shading during the hottest months of the year. The finishes for this space were chosen for visual appeal and low maintenance. After exploring several options, we settled on a roofing material that would provide both a durable walking surface and roof membrane. Posts, rails, siding, exterior trim and columns are composite materials for high durability and low maintenance.

The bathroom is luxurious and has a sense of openness that complements the master bedroom area. Features, such as an eight foot long vanity, a heated floor and glass and marble finishes, give the master bath a luxurious feel in a relatively small footprint. .

	Master Bath - Shower Glass Enclosure

	Master Bath - Shower Close Up

	Actual Floor Plan

	Proposed Floor Plan