The owners of this unusual property in Silver Spring are so invested in the house and their neighborhood that they initiated significant improvements to the house and landscape rather than finding another home. Looking to the future, their objective was to make the house and surrounding outdoor areas into a welcoming place for their neighbors and their kids’ friends. They wanted to create a community hub; the place where everyone gathers together on the weekends.

GTM Architects was responsible for both interior renovations and additions to the existing structure. To reinforce its angular and contemporary presence, Richardson & Associates’ design was influenced by the flat topography, the light flooding the property, and views from the house. The plantings at the front and perimeter were largely retained and tidied up while the spacious rear garden is entirely re-envisioned. The organization and orientation of the pool, hot tub, framed lawn panels, and stepped terraces offer an ease to entertaining and are pleasing to the eye. The unusual use of architectural grade concrete pavers, monolithic pressed concrete, and Mexican beach pebbles add interest and texture while the lighting design beguilingly illuminates all the spaces at night.