poplar terraces
falls church, va 2009
Cities are, by their very nature, acts of conservation. Located inside the Capital Beltway, this project aspires to reconcile demand for in-fill development with deference to the environment. Defined by a series of private garden terrace walls, a preservation out-lot, and compact energy-efficient building plans, this site seeks an intimate connection between occupants and the land.
Energy conservation, building assembly, and material selections were carefully considered and articulated. Meticulous attention was paid to configuration and orientation of the floor plans, particularly the extension of living spaces into the landscape. The homes earned an Energy Star rating.
Challenged by long narrow lots, market conditions, and municipal restrictions, this project sought to establish a sense of privacy in a close-knit community while respecting the scale and character of the surrounding neighborhood.