A developer living in the historic area of Kensington, Maryland, called on Rill Architects to design a green home on the lot beside hers. She wished it to reflect an historic precedent—specifically the Prairie-style architecture that harkened back to her native Chicago.
Principal Jim Rill’s design met the challenge of creating a sustainable home full of Craftsman-style features that make it warm and inviting. The wrap-around porch “creates a flow that brings the outdoors in,” says Rill. He added a Prairie-style fieldstone fireplace in the family room flanked by built-ins and installed stained-oak millwork throughout. Details include Craftsman-style windows and light fixtures by Hubbardton Forge.
The 3,100-square-foot home boasts geothermal heat and air conditioning; Icynene spray foam insulation that creates an airtight envelope in the walls, basement, ceiling and roof; and Structural Insulated Sheathing panels that add a layer of rigid foam insulation. HardiePlank fiber-cement siding clads the exterior, with a roof of architectural composite shingles.
Inside, Rill and his team sourced eco-friendly building materials. The millwork is made from replenishable, FSC-certified oak; the floors are reclaimed oak salvaged from a warehouse about to be demolished. Rill selected IceStone recycled-glass countertops, bamboo kitchen cabinets and renewable cork for the basement floors. Energy Star appliances, LED and fluorescent lighting and high-performance, low-E Jeld-Wen windows complete the picture. This custom home that marries sustainability and period style was sold soon after completion.
ARCHITECTURE: James F. Rill, AIA, Rill Architects, Bethesda, Maryland. CONTRACTOR: West Wing Builders, Inc., Warrenton, Virginia. PHOTOGRAPHY: James Ray Spahn
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