Landis Architects/Builders enhances a vintage Chevy Chase Colonial in crisp, classic style
In keeping with its historic Somerset neighborhood in Chevy Chase, a 1937 brick center-hall Colonial boasted period charm, but sorely needed an update. The residents contacted Landis Architects/Builders for a whole-house renovation that would enlarge and modernize the interiors while retaining—and improving—the exterior.
”The owners’ most pressing issue was the size of the garage,” recounts Tahani Share, who spearheaded the project. “Both it and the driveway were only nine feet wide, which rendered them almost unusable.” A 16-foot-wide, front-facing side addition—which replaced a dilapidated sun room—solved the issue by extending the width of the existing garage, and also added three stories of living space above it. The project, which required approval by the county’s historic commission, also included a new rear patio complete with hot tub and al fresco dining space.
Share and her team safeguarded the home’s period details, enhancing the dingy brick façade with a pale taupe color. They clad the addition in HardiePlank siding and added a new garage door. The widened driveway is bordered by a stone retaining wall.
