A couple relocating to Kensington, Maryland, in search of more living space purchased a circa-1950s ranch house with the idea of remodeling and expanding its footprint. “They wanted a long-term family home with a spacious kitchen and breakfast area, and a new deck with an outdoor kitchen where family and friends could gather,” says architect Bruce Wentworth, who masterminded the project.

He and his team constructed a contemporary rear addition that contains the sleek, open kitchen/eating area, centered on an island with a quartz waterfall countertop. Abundant Weather Shield windows framed in light-stained pine overlook the backyard.

The addition flows out to an L-shaped ipe deck bordered by stainless-steel cable railings. An outdoor kitchen occupies one side of the L; it features a Coyote smoker, a Lynx grill and storage space enclosed in painted brick and topped with a noncombustible bluestone counter.

Wentworth clad the addition in stained-cedar panels and board-and-batten siding; black aluminum-clad windows and red pilasters add interest.

Renovation Architecture & Contracting: Bruce Wentworth, AIA, Wentworth, Inc., Chevy Chase, Maryland.  Award: Residential Addition over $250,000.