Architect Paola Lugli elevates a run-of-the-mill residence in Arlington with bold, modern lines
“We gave the house a presence among the rhythm of the houses on the street.”
— Paola Lugli
| A box-shaped, circa-1950s abode—a duplicate of its neighbors—lacked distinctive architectural details. Zoning restrictions prohibited additions to the structure. | Inserted into the existing footprint, a shiplap volume with a butterfly roof breaks up the façade. Tall front openings and a standing-seam metal overhang above the front door add interest. |
| Only eight feet high, a dilapidated porch on the back of the house felt dark and inaccessible. | A 10-foot-tall, shiplap-clad back porch is now an extension of the new build, which encompasses an open-plan kitchen/dining/living space. An adjacent covered area supplies indoor-outdoor connectivity. |
| Drab brick siding did little to set the house apart. The windows and front door were unremarkable. | Black-painted bricks contrast with the white shiplap. Protruding window frames are a contemporary element; along with the front door, they are painted a playful pink. |
Renovation Architecture: Paola Lugli, PLDesignStudio, Arlington, Virginia. Consulting Architect: Claudio Conti, Rome, Italy. Renovation Contractor: J&J Construction, Fairfax, Virginia.
