Stansbury Residence

Whole House Renovation & Addition
Kensington, MD

Rethinking the Core
An awkward 1950’s rambler is transformed into a bright and easy home in Kensington, MD

The Owners purchased their home knowing that it needed a major renovation. CHECA Architects immediately saw a solution to the home’s stair situation. The existing stair to the basement took up valuable space from the front room, and at the other end of the house, the stair to the second floor was tight and difficult to navigate. We redesigned the center of the home with a new, modern, airy staircase that connects all three floors.

On the second floor CHECA Architects opened up the existing dark attic storage space and brought in much needed daylight and views by punching in three dormer windows. We created a spacious master suite and a large second bedroom with a private bath. The stair hall is now bathed in light from the new windows and opens to the front sitting room below.

The first floor was redesigned with a modern kitchen that opens to the back yard and the dining room. The living areas, with the new staircase at the center give the family expansive space to hang out and entertain.

In the basement we created a family room with a separate TV area and a new powder room. The fireplace, with new floor to ceiling mosaic surround, is now a well-appreciated focal point.

Throughout the interiors, new lighting and crisp, warm finishes complete the modern and comfortable home. New windows and doors, as well as additional insulation and energy-efficient fixtures, improve the overall energy savings of the home. During the day, daylight is so plentiful that lights are barely needed despite the deep floor plate.

CHECA Architects updated the exterior of the home by painting the old brick and wood siding with a simple color palate, by popping the front dormer windows up through the existing roof, and by redesigning the front entry to give an inviting contemporary welcome.

  • Principal Architect
    Lorena Checa, AIA, LEED AP
  • Project Architect
    Michael Vallese, AIA, LEED AP
  • Structural Engineer
    JGK Structural Engineers
  • General Contractor
    Klockner & Company
  • Photography
    Kenneth M. Wyner Photography Inc.