A Window on Architectural Flow
THIS MID-CENTURY HOME IN CHESAPEAKE
BAY WAS RENOVATED TO HAVE A SEAMLESS
VIEW OF ITS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SPACES.
By MERYL SCHOENBAUM
THE EXTENDED ROOFLINE REACHES OUT TO INVITE GUESTS INTO THE HOME AND ACCENTUATES THE SITE LINE AND ACCESS TO THE NATURAL SURROUNDINGS IN THE REAR OF THE HOUSE THAT INCLUDES A POND.
Photography by ALLEN RUSS Architecture: RILL ARCHITECTS
THE LIVING ROOM LOOKS OUT TOWARD THE POND AND THE POOL. THE ARCHITECTURAL TEAM USED MATERIALS THAT APPEAR LIKE THE NATURAL MATERIALS OF A WOOD-LIKE TILE ON THE WALLS (THEY ARE ACTUALLY PORCELAIN TILES THAT EMULATE WOOD AND ARE SAFE AROUND THE FIREPLACE). THIS MATERIAL CHOICE FURTHER BRINGS THE OUTSIDE IN WITH THE LOOK OF THE TREE BARK. “LIMESTONE TILE FLOWS SEAMLESSLY INTO THE SCORED CONCRETE, CREATING A STRONG CONNECTION, WITH NO DELINEATION BETWEEN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR,” RILL SAYS.
Gibson Island is an idyllic private island with scenic topography ranging from pristine lakes and wetlands to rolling hills, forests and recreational areas, located on the western shore of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. With so much natural beauty surrounding the home, it’s no wonder the new owners of this 1958-built house would want to enjoy a seamless transition between the outdoors, the architecture and the interior spaces. The owners discussed their dream design with architects James Rill and James Murray of Rill Architects, who took on the task of renovating the mid-century home to achieve the look and lifestyle their clients wanted.