The owners of a Mediterranean-style home in Great Falls, Virginia, enjoyed a spacious, open lot with an inviting swimming pool. However, the property’s layout had its drawbacks. “Cars would park in the driveway facing the pool; there was no element of privacy,” explains architect John Heltzel, who was hired to remedy the situation.

Heltzel designed a combination guest suite, pavilion and single-car garage—all clad in the same stucco as the house—to separate the front yard, with its extensive paved driveway, from the backyard pool area. The new structure is linked to the house by a stucco privacy wall; the adjacent pavilion, which features comfortable seating and a fireplace, provides passage between the front and back via arched openings that complement the home’s Mediterranean architecture.

Around the pool, concrete pavers made way for a wide travertine patio with space for grilling and al fresco meals. A stylish wrought-iron fence now encloses the pool area and echoes a wrought-iron balcony on the home’s second floor. Mahogany accents in the pavilion are repeated on the garage doors.

The guest suite features a kitchenette and a reclaimed-wood accent wall with a built-in Murphy bed.

Architecture: John F. Heltzel, AIA, P.C., McLean, Virginia. Builder: Heltzelhaus Inc., McLean, Virginia.  Award: Detached Structure.