When a fallen tree destroyed a dated Bethesda Cape, architect James Rill reimagined the abode as a modern dwelling with Japanese influences
“The neighborhood was being replaced by modern farmhouse architecture; my client wanted to show that people could have something different.”
— James Rill
| A traditional Cape Cod, the original house sat awkwardly on the site. Its stye didn’t reflect the owners’ taste. | Designed around a beautiful old maple tree, the home enhances and respects its natural environment. It embraces a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic with clean, unadorned lines. |
| The abode lacked a strong indoor-outdoor connection. | Large expanses of sliding glass and both picture and clerestory windows connect the interiors to the large front yard and smaller rear yard. Interiors spill out onto ipe decking and serene, Japanese-style courtyards. |
| White-painted asphalt shingles seemed out of harmony with the surroundings. The front façade held little visual interest. | Gray-painted, horizontal Hardie siding complements the colors of nature; fir-clad overhangs and privacy screens made of ipe and cedar lend warmth and interest. |
Renovation Architecture: James Rill, AIA, Rill Architects, Bethesda, Maryland. Builder: Woodhaven Contractors, Ijamsville, Maryland.
