Luminous Shou Sugi Ban Facade opens upon the Forest

In Mohican Hills, Maryland, Robert Gurney Architect realizes a dwelling along a steeply sloping, wooded site. distant views of the Potomac River are afforded in the late fall, winter and early spring. A simple rectangular volume, the house is revealed as a two-story structure seen from the street. This extends an additional two stories on the opposite elevation to take advantage of the steep grade, resulting in a four-story volume facing the Potomac River. The house is anchored into the earth with two concrete end walls, extending all four stories. wood framed walls clad in shou sugi ban with minimal fenestration connect the two concrete walls at the front of the house. On the woodland side, the four-story infill is mostly glass. This is articulated in the fenestration and the exterior material choices.

Mohican Hills is a small community in Glen Echo, Maryland within very close proximity to Washington, DC. This community boasts an unusually high percentage of contemporary and mid-century modern houses relative to most Washington, DC suburban neighborhoods. This community is adjacent to the Potomac River. Many of the lots have a steep sloping topography and share River views.

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The team at Robert Gurney Architect organizes the house with a series of decks and balconies that extend from the glass façade. This condition introduces outdoor living experiences at each of the four levels along the wooded side. The street side remains relatively solid, with mostly service and utility core elements dedicated to that side. Corten panels and a wood fence define a private front yard. Access to the house is provided with a bridge extending from the street. The end of the bridge provides a platform with a panoramic vista towards the woods and a moment to pause before proceeding towards the front door. The path to the front door and vertical movement connecting the four levels are carefully orchestrated with selected landscape views and visual connections into a double height living space, that organizes the composition. 

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architecture: robert gurney architect