Kern-Deegan Residence
Whole House Renovation & Addition
Foxhall Village, Washington, DC
A More Perfect Union
Adjoining townhouses unite to create a stylish Georgetown retreat in Foxhall Village, Washington, DC
The clients had purchased adjoining townhouses, which had been connected by a previous owner, but still felt fragmented with two front doors, cramped rooms, and little natural light. They were seeking to unite the combined spaces into a cohesive, stylish and efficient home to suit a busy family of four. Green design and connecting to the natural beauty of the Georgetown neighborhood were early goals.
For CHECA Architects, transforming the existing space began with an understanding of the family’s lifestyle and unique sensibilities. The resulting plan called for a complete re-imagining of the space, removing most of the existing walls and doorways to create a bright, open, spacious layout in synch with the way the family lives.
From the rear, a new screened-in porch features an octagonal seating area and fosters instant connection with the natural environment. From the front, any sign this home was once two residences, has disappeared. Removing a second entrance and a small closet afforded an opportunity to include a much-desired main floor powder room.
The open-plan kitchen is a testament to CHECA artistry and attention to detail. Structural elements take on a sculptural quality, as a gracefully curving soffit appears to “dance” with a column. A built-in that functions as a family communications center features integrated speakers – a must-have for this music loving family. Upstairs, a large master suite includes a separate study and dressing area. The vaulted ceiling in the master bedroom provides natural light and ventilation, creating a restful retreat. The en suite bathroom incorporates beautiful, sustainable materials including a shower for two fitted with glass block and recycled glass tile.
The artistry continues throughout the home, with exquisitely detailed floor to ceiling closets and woodwork crafted of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified sustainable maple and mahogany. Solar thermal panels on the roof provide all of the family’s hot water needs. Skylights, oversized glass doors, and creative glass block elements create a light-infused interior – a rare achievement in a townhouse.
The result: a beautiful, conscious home – the perfect haven for a busy family of four.