Add To Collection

ColorBlocks

ColorBlocks

Baltimore, MD, United States

Add To Collection

Other Projects by Gardner Architects LLC

Add To Collection

Bay House (developed by Gardner Mohr Architects LLC)

ColorBlocks

Baltimore, MD, United States

Firm

Gardner Architects LLC

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2026

SIZE

3000 sqft - 5000 sqft

BUDGET

$1M - 5M

L & H came to us hoping to create a modern, sustainable, healthy, and organized home by transforming the aging ranch house in Lutherville-Timonium that they inherited from L’s parents, and had called home for 30 years. However, renovating this 1960s structure would have been ineffective, requiring an entirely new building envelope, new MEP systems, significant structural intervention, regrading for proper drainage, not to mention reconceiving the relationship of the house to the site for better capture of sun, breeze, light and view. Facing this Ship of Theseus paradox, we instead designed a new 4,500-square-foot home on the existing foundation. L & H had five central goals for their new home:

- Health: Guard against moisture, humidity, allergens, and pollutants.
- Connections: Promote indoor-outdoor living.
- Organization: Structure an organized lifestyle via centralized storage, itself providing a framework of colorful spaces for art, gathering, yoga, and meditation.
- Community: Engender a sense of connection through multiple spaces in which all could visit, cook, play, and stay.
- Energy: Implement passive strategies and optimize solar orientation to maximize opportunities for energy efficiency and power generation.

Zoned Rural Residential, ColorBlocks’ neighborhood features large lots and rolling wooded topography. Because the lot is non-conforming, building a new house on a new foundation was prohibited. Retaining the existing foundation satisfied these zoning challenges. Architectural challenges included reconciling the narrow, meandering footprint of the original rancher with a new spatial arrangement, clarifying a sense of “front” since the entry driveway is from the side, and creating a modern structure at home in the expansive setting.

L & H have a deep appreciation for art and color; a central gallery and the home’s vibrant palette grow directly from those interests. Whimsy is also a core theme, expressed through features including a hidden passageway in the dining room built-ins and a stair landing that becomes living room seating. A hot-rolled steel bridge overlooks the main living areas, while a second-floor ramen bar adnimates a second floor hangout space. The design incorporates passive strategies, tuning the roof slope and overhangs to admit winter light while shielding summer sun. The home beats the energy code by 32.7% through a vapor-managed high-performing envelope, balanced ventilation with an ERV, and a modest 18% window-wall ratio that still maximizes interior daylight. Finally, a 14kW solar photovoltaic system, “cool roof” shingles, and thermo-treated wood accent panels round out this sustainably-minded, all-electric home.

Product Spec Sheet

Were your products used?

Join as a manufacturer to add your products.

Collaborating Firms

John Cole Photography

Photography

Was your firm involved? Add it now.

Team

Were you involved? Add yourself.

ColorBlocks

Baltimore, MD, United States

Other Projects by Gardner Architects LLC

Harkers Point

Tree House

Canal House

Bay House (developed by Gardner Mohr Architects LLC)

ColorBlocks

Baltimore, MD, United States

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team

Keep Exploring Architizer by Creating a Free Account or Logging in.

ColorBlocks

Baltimore, MD, United States

Other Projects by Gardner Architects LLC

Harkers Point

Tree House

Canal House

Bay House (developed by Gardner Mohr Architects LLC)

ColorBlocks

Baltimore, MD, United States

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team