Home & Design

Wood and stucco siding clad an abode conceived by Wiedemann Architects. PHOTO: Anice Hoachlander

Folding-glass walls in a home designed by Elie Ben Architecture. PHOTO: Systematic Home Staging

Home Base

Advice from the pros

Our Experts

Phil Leibovitz, Sandy Spring Builders | Brad Pryor, Horizon Builders | Maryam Tabrizchi AIA, NCARB, Elie Ben Architecture, LLC | Greg Wiedemann, FAIA, Wiedemann Architects


Ins and outs: Exterior pocket and
folding-glass doors make an entrance

“A thermally controlled, wood-clad or aluminum product
is best for our region. Ideally, there will be a
screened area outside so that you can control insects.”

—Maryam Tabrizchi

“The advantage of pocket doors is that they can
disappear visually. Robust hardware and a system
that controls water are musts; pocket doors can bring
water inside the wall. Folding doors tend to be more expensive
because the mechanism is complicated.”

—Greg Wiedemann

“It used to be only NanaWall made expansive,
glass folding doors, but now all manufacturers make them.
Sierra Pacific and Western Window Systems do a modern,
minimal look; aluminum profiles may be thinner than wood ones.”

—Phil Leibovitz

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The Skinny on Exterior Siding

“We’re using a lot of Accoya, a wood-siding product
that’s treated for rot-resistance and has unique coloration—
a silvery tint that gives it a weathered, beachy feel
but looks a bit modern.”

—Brad Pryor

“We predominantly work with Hardie siding—shiplap,
battens, nickel gap. We also like real stucco
and painted brick with stone accents.”

—Phil Leibovitz

“Less costly than Accoya is Boral, a poly-ash material
that creates custom looks on siding and trim.
We’re using Boral nickel-gap siding on two new homes now.”

—Greg Wiedemann

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Smartest Place to Splurge

“The building envelope; an initial outlay will return investment
over time. I prioritize quality windows and good insulation.
Next would be an upgrade to the home’s mechanical systems.”

—Greg Wiedemann

“The kitchen, because it’s the heart of the home.
People are also spending heavily on indoor-outdoor flex spaces.”

—Brad Pryor

“Splurge on getting a good architect who can make you
a beautiful and efficient design. Builders and subcontractors
are also very important; some say ‘spend
on the finishes,’ but I believe in getting it all installed correctly.”

—Maryam Tabrizchi

 

 

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HOME&DESIGN, published bi-monthly by Homestyles Media Inc., is the premier magazine of architecture and fine interiors for the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia region.

The company also publishes an annual H&D Sourcebook of ideas and resources for homeowners and professionals alike. H&D Chesapeake Views is published bi-annually and showcases fine home design and luxury living in and around the Chesapeake Bay.

The H&D Portfolio of 100 Top Designers spotlights the superior work of selected architects, interior designers and landscape architects in major regions of the US.

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