A Traditional Row House With A Modern Backyard Extension

After being expanded and renovated in 2019 by architecture office Robert M. Gurney, this row house from Washington, U.S. gained lots of space and lots of character. The original house had a tiny footprint and felt really small in general which was partially due to its overall design and internal structure. It has two bedrooms and only one full bathroom and the living spaces were compartmentalized in a way that made them all feel tiny and which didn’t really make the most of the available floor space as a whole. The interior spaces were also lacking a nice connection to the garden. All of these issues have been addressed.

This is the extension which has been added to the back of the house in the form of a minimalist structure
This is the extension which has been added to the back of the house in the form of a minimalist structure

A very important part of the project was the addition of a new set of spaces. The extension is tall and narrow just like the original house and it adds a third bedroom and a living area below. It also serves as a connector between the rest of the interior spaces and the garden. Also, all the original spaces have been redesigned. They have taller ceilings and they feel a lot more spacious and airy now that they’re flooded with natural light and have a fresh new design. The new extension has very clean and simple lines and looks very modern which makes it stand out and contrast with the original house. However, the two structures share a very strong bond and the discrepancies between them are not as prominent on the inside.

Exposed brick and stone are incorporated into the extension, as if the old structure is seeping into the new one
Exposed brick and stone are incorporated into the extension, as if the old structure is seeping into the new one
The interior of the existing house was renovated as well, getting taller ceilings and a simplified look
The interior of the existing house was renovated as well, getting taller ceilings and a simplified look
Even though the extension is very narrow, the two floors have high ceilings which helps them look bigger
Even though the extension is very narrow, the two floors have high ceilings which helps them look bigger
A wooden staircase leads down to the basement where the kitchen was originally situated
A wooden staircase leads down to the basement where the kitchen was originally situated
Exposed stone is used as an accent material throughout the house
Exposed stone is used as an accent material throughout the house
The ground floor of the newly added extension houses a cozy living room with an oval coffee table
The ground floor of the newly added extension houses a cozy living room with an oval coffee table
Exposed stone and bricks were used here together and the transition looks rather nice
Exposed stone and bricks were used here together and the transition looks rather nice
The kitchen got a makeover and is now super sleek, modern and refined
The kitchen got a makeover and is now super sleek, modern and refined
The palette of colors is not bold but it gives the kitchen personality
The palette of colors is not bold but it gives the kitchen personality
The light wooden floors and stairs adds lots of warmth to the interior design without standing out
The light wooden floors and stairs adds lots of warmth to the interior design without standing out
The new master bedroom occupies the second floor of the extension and has a ceiling skylight
The new master bedroom occupies the second floor of the extension and has a ceiling skylight