News

Jun 25, 2023

Virginia Tree House by Robert Young Architects

Photo © Frank Oudeman Location: Great Falls, Virginia Project size : 6,140 square feet Program: Set within a wooded Virginia landscape, this primary home is designed as a tranquil refuge. Robert Young

Photo © Frank Oudeman

Location: Great Falls, Virginia

Project size: 6,140 square feet

Program: Set within a wooded Virginia landscape, this primary home is designed as a tranquil refuge. Robert Young Architects worked from the inside out—configuring the house’s interiors according to views of nature, with the exterior form following suit.

Design Solution: Following the death of her husband, the client found solace in densely wooded areas with mature trees and winding creeks. After deciding to uproot and settle in a new place with her family, she turned to Robert Young Architects to design a home deeply intertwined with nature.

Nestled into the slope of a river valley, Treehouse offers views of a low-lying wetland that flows into the Potomac River. Many mature trees were kept on the property to protect the local ecology—and as a result, most rooms float amid the woodland canopy. Throughout, sightlines organize the plan and section. Although shared spaces, such as the living area and a screened porch, offer views of distant forests, the primary suite is more akin to an aerie perched high in the treetops.

Photo © Frank Oudeman

Structure and Materials: The verdant, sloped terrain challenged the architects to be as light on the land as possible. Dark wood cladding camouflages the house, tucking it into the surroundings. Inside, oak surfaces create a sense of warmth, while concrete accents exude durability and strength.

Additional Information Completion date: January 2022 Site size: 2 acres Total construction cost: $2.8 million Client/Owner: Sue Deagle

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Photos © Frank Oudeman, click to enlarge

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Images courtesy Robert Young Architects, click to enlarge

Architect: Robert Young Architects 526 W 26th St #616 New York, NY 10001 +1 (212) 687-6940 ryarch.com

Personnel in the firm who should receive special credit: Principal: Robert Young, AIA Project Architect: Ben Sandell Design Team: Lucille Gairin, Coralie Gruit, Kenza Elhaimer, Paul Schwitter, Trey Hoffman

Engineers: Structural Engineer: 1200 Architectural Engineers Civil Engineer: Urban LTD Geotechnical Engineer: Pons & Associates LLC

Consultants:Energy Consultant: ZeroEnergy DesignsLighting Consultant: Tillotson Design AssociatesLandscape Architect: Oat-Judge Landscape Architects

Interior Designer:Jennifer Parker, Patera Home

General Contractor: Added Dimensions Constructions

Photographer: Frank Oudeman

Exterior Cladding Cladding: Huber Engineered Woods (ZIP system); Typar (house wrap); Laticrete (waterproofing membrane)

Windows Metal Frame: Loewen

Doors Entrances: Loewen

Hardware Locksets: Baldwin Other hardware: Hafele (sliding door hardware)

Interior Finishes Solid surfacing: Caesarstone Floor and wall tiles: Nemo Tile, Walker Zanger, Cle Tile Floor transition: Schluter Systems

Living Room Furnishings Area Rug, Sectional, Chairs, Coffee Table: Restoration Hardware Sectional Toss-Pillow Fabric: Ben Soleimani Drinks Table: Arteriors

Reading Nook Furnishings Built-In Window Seat: Mersoa Woodwork & Design LLC Cushion & Pillow Fabric: Ben Soleimani Side Table: All Modern Wall Sconce: Restoration Hardware

Dining Area Furnishings Banquette: Mersoa Woodwork & Design LLC Dining Table & Chairs: Restoration Hardware Banquette Cushion & Dining Chair Fabric: Perennials Banquette Toss-Pillow Fabric: Ben Soleimani Light Fixture: Alex Allen Studio

Kitchen Furnishings Counter Stools: Design Within Reach

Office Furnishings Built-In Bookcase & Desk: Mersoa Woodwork & Design LLC Sofa: Design Within Reach

Primary Bedroom Furnishings Area Rug: Ben Soleimani Bed, Chair & Ottoman: Design Within Reach Bookcase: Blu Dot

Lighting Interior Ambient Lighting: DMF Lighting Downlights: Tech Lighting Exterior: WAC Lighting Track Lighting: Lightolier Strip Lighting: Feelux Linear Cove Lighting: Jesco Lighting Dimming System: Lutron

Plumbing Toilets: Duravit Sinks: Kohler, Kraus, Kallista Faucets: Lacava, Watermark, Dornbracht, Franke Showerheads: Speakman Shower Controls: Lacava Shower Drain: MTI Bath Medicine Cabinets: Robern