Harmony in Contrasts
The owner of this home in McLean, Virginia, has made meticulous architectural improvements to the existing structure over the years. Changes to the back elevation replaced small 1980s windows with broad glazing to bring in light and the view, which inspired him to replace the extant boulder garden with an infinity pool, dining patio, and newly planted landscape. To complete the owner’s vision, Richardson & Associates created a scheme inspired by Mid-Century design. The resulting lines and edges of the pool, terrace, dining patio, and steps extend the horizontality of the house into the land.
In contrast to the geometric hardscape and black-painted perimeter fence, custom Ipe screens, monolithic poured concrete benches, and cast concrete steps, the garden is dynamic and loose. The plant pallet includes nearly 50 species, many of them native. Thickly planted, evergreens and grasses coexist in textured swaths, groupings punctuated by variegated leaf dogwood, white birches, Tiger Eye Sumac, a native Sourwood, and Witch Alder. The gray/black interior of the pool permits an expansive, reflective quality; quietly dramatic but not stark.
- Architect: STEHLIK design
- Lighting: Outdoor Illuminations
- Landscape Contractor: Lucas & Clark Grounds Company
- Photography: Kate Wichlinski
