HOUSES 101 | Hampden Lane House

    It has been a long week, and I am ready for some more architecture.  Although I am tired, I will push on as I listen to awesome music as a write this.  This post will be crazy and spectacular as you see how awesome modern architecture can be.  Welcome to today's HOUSES 101 and welcome to the Hampden Lane House.  *Raises keyboard and shouts onward.*  (How's that for an awesome intro?  Maybe too cheesy)

    The Hampden Lane House in Bethesda, Maryland, is a shocker in itself.  It's not because of its modern look, but how small it is.  At only 2,200 square feet, most other homes were built to the max of their zoning laws in the neighborhood.  Architect Robert Gurney and his young entrepreneur client designed the house, which suprised most residents because of its size.  The property is only about 60 feet by 150 feet.  Hampden Lane's exterior walls are made mostly out of charcoal-gray, ground-faced concrete blocks.  It is not much on the outside that counts, it is on the inside.  (I wonder who hasn't heard that before?  *wink*)



   Hopefully this isn't getting too cheesy for some of you!  Let's carry on.  On the inside, the house looks spectacular.  Although the house lacks size, it makes up for it in its basement and 1,100 square foot roof.  The architect's client offen invites people from his financial firm to dinner on the roof.  Gurney says, "We're very informal."  (because it is mostly a family house)

   

    The thing I like about this house is that the spaces are bright and open.  Who doesn't love a bright, open home to live in?  The stainless steel countertops with the walnut floors and white walls makes a great finishing look.  Spending most time in outside and the basement, the client's four children (with one on the way) love their house.  What child wouldn't?  The basement includes one bedroom, a playroom, a media room, and a laundry.

    The bathroom and master bedroom look amazing.  (totally modern in my opinion)  On the ground floor, there are public spaces, including an open kitchen, while bedrooms are on the second floor.  “Not one part of this house goes unused,” says Gurney. His client agrees, and adds, “It's a house of its time, and it's completely a reflection of me.”  Although the house is really unique in its colonial and craftsman style neighborhood, it is a masterpiece indeed.  Remember, it is not on the outside that counts, it is on the inside.  (getting cheesy yet?)

*All pictures and information from archrecord.construction.com*