Transformative Alexandria

Notably one of Richardson & Associates largest transitional projects, the firm assembled the design and construction team that transforms this property in Alexandria, Virginia.  Flowing around an existing home and guest house, the new landscape is picturesque and accommodates all the amenities desired by the clients: outdoor entertaining spaces, gardens and lawns, racquet sports, swimming, and a spa. Additionally, the firm engineered an underground system that captures stormwater, connects to the city infrastructure, and prevents flooding. The design benefits not only the homeowners, but their neighbors and surrounding community.

The new pool house by GTM Architects has contemporary appeal and practical access to the pool, courts, and surrounding gardens. An outdoor sitting room is defined by Natchez Crepe Myrtles and concentric bluestone pavers. At the front and rear of the house, extensive plantings include over 100 new trees—Maple, Willow Oak, Sycamore, Birch, and Tulip among them. Borders of Drift Roses, hydrangea, holly, and laurel wrap the property, while ornamental alum, periwinkle, Salvia, and Catmint are clustered closer to the buildings. A sense of peace belies the complexity required behind the scenes.

  • Architect: GTM Architects
  • Interior Designer: Ella Scott Interiors
  • GC/Builder: Thorsen Construction
  • Landscape Contractor: McHale Landscape
  • Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

A two-story white brick house with black shutters and a slate roof sits behind a manicured lawn. A curved stone walkway leads to the front entrance, which is sheltered by a small columned porch.
A two-story white brick house with black shutters and a covered front porch. Stone steps lead up to a dark front door, flanked by potted plants and a wrought iron railing. A stone path winds through a garden in the foreground.
A white, two-story house with a dark gabled roof stands behind a winding stone path. The home is surrounded by manicured green lawns, mature trees, and landscaped garden beds.
A sunlit garden features a dry creek bed lined with river stones and tall, thin green plants. Beyond the creek, a thin birch tree and a dense hedge of dark green foliage stand before a forest of tall pine trees.
A patio dining set with four chairs sits under a dark metal pergola attached to a white brick house. A stone path lined with green groundcover leads to the patio, which is surrounded by trees and landscaping.
A white brick house with a dark door stands behind a green tennis court. A small set of stairs leads to the entryway, and manicured landscaping surrounds the front of the home.
A green tennis court enclosed by a black chain-link fence is set in a backyard. A white cottage with a dark metal roof sits on the grassy lawn behind the court.
Four people play pickleball on an outdoor court surrounded by trees. Two players in the foreground face two players across the net, with a small dog sitting near the side fence.
Four lounge chairs with striped pillows sit on a stone patio beside a rectangular swimming pool. A white brick wall is on the left, and a white outdoor fireplace stands behind the pool, framed by trees and a green lawn.
A white brick cottage with a dark shingle roof stands beside a rectangular swimming pool. A row of four lounge chairs sits on the stone patio, with large glass doors opening from the house toward the water.
A white brick house exterior with a dark shingled roof sits beside a backyard swimming pool. A rectangular wall sconce and a small pruned tree are mounted on the wall above a row of low shrubs.
A backyard patio featuring a stone fireplace and four curved lounge chairs arranged around a round coffee table. Beyond the patio is a swimming pool and a white house with large glass doors opening into a living space.
A white brick outdoor fireplace stands on a stone patio surrounded by four armchairs and a round coffee table. Two small manicured shrubs frame the front of the patio, which is set within a garden of trees and greenery.
A white brick cottage with a dark shingled roof overlooks a rectangular swimming pool at dusk. The house features a glass-walled sunroom, and four lounge chairs are arranged on the stone patio beside the water.

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