FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Main Menu
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Main Menu Subscribe
  • Award Winners
  • |
  • About
  • |
  • Videos
  • |
  • Readers’ Choice
    • 2020 Readers’ Choice
    • 2019 Readers’ Choice
    • 2018 Readers’ Choice
    • 2017 Readers’ Choice
    • 2016 Readers’ Choice
    • 2015 Readers’ Choice
    • 2014 Readers’ Choice
    • 2013 Readers’ Choice
  • |
  • 2021 Call for Entries
Call for Entries : HOUSES Awards

Mount Vernon View

By Greg_Wiedemann, member
Article Image

This project is a new home in southern Maryland on the Potomac River located directly across the Potomac River from Mt. Vernon and surrounded by undisturbed Federal parkland. The challenge of the project was to design a home that took advantage of the unique waterfront site, while respecting the historic view shed. Our client wanted to enjoy the river view, while Mt. Vernon preferred to have the home merge with the natural landscape. The L-shaped plan steps back from the river behind mature trees, while shaping an outdoor space that engages the sweep of the river. A view of Mt. Vernon is enjoyed on the approach to the home and most interior spaces. The design limits the amount of glazing facing the river to that of the original one-story and shields the upper glazing with a screened porch that diminishes the visibility of second floor.

Cedar shingles merge with the trees and native stone anchors the home to its unique site. The design sought to provide the ample program with a minimal footprint and maximum preservation of the natural setting. Environmental harmony and a palette of materials reflective of the natural context were central to the design approach. Maintenance and enhancement of the shoreline buffer exceeded required Critical Area regulations. The design was applauded by the historic preservation commission, in consultation with Mt. Vernon. The National Park Service approved the planting of native trees, with the goal of maintaining the woodland character of the property. The goal was to create an energy efficient and compact design solution that preserved the natural setting as a steward of the unique property.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Sign Up

View of upon approach from driveway.

Open concept living room, dining area, and kitchen with fireplace that has 270 degree views of the river.

Master bedroom with private screened in sleeping porch and vaulted ceilings.

Open kitchen with custom cabinetry.

North elevation of home facing the water.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

×
X
X

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Call for Entries : HOUSES Awards

View All
View All

Up Next

Featured Story

Myron stands inside a new construction

Drywall Spanning a Band Joist

Avoid cracking and hard-to-hide seams with smart panel placement and by using drywall adhesive instead of screws at the band joist.

Featured Video

Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Building for a Changing Climate is a Necessity

  • What You Need to Know When Working With Hannoband Tape

  • Fine Homebuilding Flashback: 1982, Drywall-mania, All About Roof Framing, and Old-School Curved Walls

  • Podcast 347: PRO TALK With Carpenter Kevin Ireton, Part 1

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

  • Fine Homebuilding All Access
  • Fine Homebuilding Podcast
  • Tool Tech

    Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

  • "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

    Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

    Sign Up See all newsletters

Video

View All
  • Fine Homebuilding Podcast 347: PRO TALK With Carpenter Kevin Ireton

    Podcast 347: PRO TALK With Carpenter Kevin Ireton, Part 1

  • House under construction surrounded by trees

    Insulating for Passive House Standards

  • Myron stands inside a new construction

    Drywall Spanning a Band Joist

  • FHB Podcast 346: Music Studios, Reducing Building Costs, and Indoor-Air Purifiers

    Podcast 346: Music Studios, Reducing Building Costs, and Indoor-Air Purifiers

View All

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Fine Homebuilding Magazine Slipcase

    Buy Now
  • 2020 Fine Homebuilding Archive

    Buy Now
  • Musings of an Energy Nerd

    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition

    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 298 - April/May 2021

    • Butt Boards for Smooth Ceilings
    • Help Installing Gutters
    • Safety Bucket
  • Issue 297 - Feb/Mar 2021

    • Foundations for Success
    • Staircase Renovation
    • Ditch the Hose
  • Issue 296 - Dec 2020/Jan 2021

    • Insulating Glass Keeps Getting Better
    • Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb
    • Making Sense of Minisplits
  • Issue 295 - Kitchens & Baths

    • Condo Kitchen Reimagined
    • Row-House Remodel
    • Rise of the IAQ Monitor
  • Issue 294 - Oct/Nov 2020

    • Schoolhouse Reimagined
    • Tool Test: Folding Sawhorses
    • A Better Way to Build Tall Walls

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Manage Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Account

  • Log In
  • Join

    Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

    Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

    All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

    Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

    More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

    Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Follow

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 52%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in