Penza Bailey Architects was asked to spearhead an extensive renovation and addition in Severna Park, Maryland. The sprawling, traditional home, nestled along the Severn River, was originally designed by its owner, an aeronautical engineer who wanted it to resemble the wings of an airplane. “While we reimagined the house to respect the home’s original design intent,” says principal Jeffrey Penza, “we reoriented the interiors to take better advantage of the water views.” On the home’s rear elevation, they added a wraparound porch encompassing a two-story turret. Tucked within its second story, a curved porch (pictured) provides a charming, sheltered spot from which to admire the breathtaking river vista.

Located off the home’s central stair hall, the porch’s cheek wall is clad in painted cedar shakes. Columns, set atop low walls so as not to impede the view, are lined with custom wrought-iron rails. The bead-board ceilings are coffered with beams that follow the radial lines of the turret; durable slate-look porcelain tile covers the floor.

Renovation Architecture: Jeffrey Penza, AIA, LEED AP, Penza Bailey Architects, Baltimore, Maryland. Renovation Contractor: Rick Batton, FC Batton & Son, Inc., Monkton, Maryland. Landscape Architecture: Stuart Ortel, RLA, Stone Hill Design Associates, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland. Photography: Anne Gummerson.