Hillside Homes with a View
The project site is a steeply sloping hillside in the Randle Highlands section of SE Washington, east of the Anacostia River. The land rises sharply from the curb over 30 feet to the apex of the property, where there are distant westerly views of downtown Washington. A large heritage tree located on one of the lots required preservation and limited the available location for the two homes.
The program was for two single-family residences, each with a program exceeding 10,000sf, including an underground garage for six cars and a 50 ft. long RV. Our solution was to create a pair of homes that shared a common entry courtyard, with two levels below grade and three levels above grade, all connected by elevator. Each residence provides car and RV access through a lower level garage and pedestrian entrances off a shared courtyard. Secure access is provided to the large entertainment room from the street level pedestrian entrance and the garage. The in-law living areas include separate bedrooms, bathrooms and care giver's bedroom on the main entry level. An office is also located on the entry level for a live/work opportunity with direct client access.
The design of each home embraces a sustainable agenda with a state-of-the-art multi zoned HVAC system, LED lighting, low flow plumbing fixtures and fittings, super insulated walls, green roofs and photovoltaic panels resulting in extremely energy efficient homes. The design takes advantage of the extremely challenging site, creating a compound of two single-family residences.