This addition to a 1970’s contemporary residence is located on a densely wooded, very steep site in Baltimore, Maryland. The Owner’s objectives were to create a music conservatory as part of the existing residence, and a new master suite addition in order to provide a refuge where the residents could connect to the beauty and majesty of the nature around them.

In order to maintain the existing linear circulation and layout of the residence, the music room was located in the original master bedroom, and a new master suite was created at the end of the house. In this location, the new addition becomes the primary architectural feature as you approach the residence. Special emphasis was placed on the addition so as to anchor and announce the house. In response to the steep slope, the addition was created to “float” or hover the base slightly above the existing grade. In order to achieve the floating concept, a core pedestal was created from which a double 6 foot cantilever extended the floor plan of the addition in both directions. Spaces at the rear of the addition were over 20 feet above grade and were supported by a series of angled steel columns to mimic the trees of the heavily wooded site. The addition location not only provides a welcome greeting to visitors but also a host of garden and wooded views from the new master suite.

To reinforce the sense of arrival and maintain uniqueness and compatibility, a copper clad clerestory with reversed angles was created to maintain consistency with the existing mansard roof. A continuous xenon light valance was placed around the entire master bedroom creating a lantern effect through the clerestory which offers a nighttime beacon of light to anyone entering the property.