Page 49 - ArchDC_Summer_2018

ArchDC Summer 2018.qxp_Summer 2018 5/25/18 2:18 PM Page 47

Sculpture Studio, showing
the graceful arc of the roof.

Project: Sculpture Studio,
Washington, DC
Architects: Checa Architects
Lighting Consultants: Code Lumen
Landscape Designers: Backyard Bounty
in collaboration with the owner and the architect.
Landscape Installation: Shorb Landscaping
Structural Engineers: JGK Structural Engineers
Specialty Metal Work: Salvaging Creativity
MEP Engineers: MEPtech
Contractor: Klockner & Company

Architect Lorena Checa, AIA, LEED AP,of Checa Architects PC, Around 2012, the wife in the client couple started creating
has done many custom residential projects in the Washington area,
art. This interest and talent blossomed, and, wanting to keep it
ranging from a single bathroom (albeit a large and luxurious closer to home, the couple decided in 2013 to build an addition on
the underutilized northern side yard, bordering the alley. (The
one) to new houses. The Sculpture Studio, in the Chevy Chase
neighborhood of DC, is the third project Checa has overseen for house is on a corner, with an alley on the third side, and positioned
a couple whom she has known for a quarter-century. First it was
such that it barely has a “back yard,” leaving two side yards for
the basement renovation; then the living areas and garden at the private outdoor space.) Studying the situation, Checa suggested an
south side of the house plus upstairs bedrooms; and now, the outbuilding, in no small part to create a courtyard space between
master suite, garden, and studio/garage at the north side of the new structure and the main house that would be comfortably
the site. shady when the south side yard is too hot. Eventually the scope

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