Kern-Deegan Residence

Whole House Renovation & Addition
Foxhall Village, Washington, DC

A More Perfect Union
Adjoining townhouses unite to create a stylish Georgetown retreat in Foxhall Village, Washington, DC

The clients had purchased adjoining townhouses, which had been connected by a previous owner, but still felt fragmented with two front doors, cramped rooms, and little natural light.  They were seeking to unite the combined spaces into a cohesive, stylish and efficient home to suit a busy family of four.  Green design and connecting to the natural beauty of the Georgetown neighborhood were early goals.

For CHECA Architects, transforming the existing space began with an understanding of the family’s lifestyle and unique sensibilities.  The resulting plan called for a complete re-imagining of the space, removing most of the existing walls and doorways to create a bright, open, spacious layout in synch with the way the family lives.

From the rear, a new screened-in porch features an octagonal seating area and fosters instant connection with the natural environment.  From the front, any sign this home was once two residences, has disappeared.  Removing a second entrance and a small closet afforded an opportunity to include a much-desired main floor powder room.

The open-plan kitchen is a testament to CHECA artistry and attention to detail.  Structural elements take on a sculptural quality, as a gracefully curving soffit appears to “dance” with a column.  A built-in that functions as a family communications center features integrated speakers – a must-have for this music loving family.   Upstairs, a large master suite includes a separate study and dressing area.  The vaulted ceiling in the master bedroom provides natural light and ventilation, creating a restful retreat.  The en suite bathroom incorporates beautiful, sustainable materials including a shower for two fitted with glass block and recycled glass tile.

The artistry continues throughout the home, with exquisitely detailed floor to ceiling closets and woodwork crafted of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified sustainable maple and mahogany.  Solar thermal panels on the roof provide all of the family’s hot water needs.  Skylights, oversized glass doors, and creative glass block elements create a light-infused interior – a rare achievement in a townhouse.

The result:  a beautiful, conscious home – the perfect haven for a busy family of four.

Lorena has amazing ideas and everyone she recommended—the stone person, the cabinet maker, the solar company—did excellent work. We love the house.”

Dr. Melissa Kern
Foxhall Village, Washington, DC

Lorena Checa and her team did a full (“to-the-studs”) renovation of our historic 3-story townhouse in Foxhall Village. She managed every aspect of the job, from design to furnishings. We are thrilled with the result. Lorena was the consummate professional, and attentive to every detail. In addition, she showed a fantastic artistic flair from the unique architectural features she incorporated, to the color schemes and furnishings she helped us select. We wished to make our 80-year-old house as green as possible and Lorena was at the cutting edge of green and sustainable design. Lorena’s depth of knowledge was evident at every turn; as a result there were no surprises. My wife and I have recommended Lorena and her team to our friends and no one has been disappointed. We give Lorena our highest recommendation.”

Dr. Bill Deegan
Foxhall Village, Washington, DC