Ballard & Mensua Architecture

Sep 2015

<p><span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Built originally in the late 1800's, and lived in by only two families, this gem of a historic mansion was in need of a lot of work.</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">The goal of this project was to add central air, renovate and expand 3-1/2 baths, add one bath, add a 2nd level laundry, replace old wall paper, and to combine a kitchen, breakfast room, laundry and butler's pantry into one large farmhouse style kitchen. We also added radiator covers, replaced kitchen flooring, added a mudroom, and added wainscot to the main stair. Finally, we upgraded all lighting and wiring throughout the house. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Phase 2 of the project included restoring the windows, new landscaping, painting and restoring the trim and siding for the house and restoring the roofing and flashing.</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">The challenge of this project was to do all of this work, but to keep the soul and character of the house in tact. The owners loved the house as it was, so it was very important to keep and restore as much as possible.</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">In the rest of the house, the owners decided to just add tongue oil to the floors. Fireplaces were kept in tact. Original pine trim and millwork were restored and we added a window seat on the 3rd floor.</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">The further challenge was to do this work, including planning and all interior design in 4-1/2 months. By signing up Hyo Lee and his company Millennium Homes as our contractor from the beginning, we met the demanding schedule.</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">We looked back to the time period and selected finishes and details that seemed appropriate.&nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Bathrooms carry a theme of natural marble and stones.&nbsp;</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">The kitchen features an antique oak herringbone floor from Mountain Lumber. Cabinets are inset, with a small bead to emulate antiques in the owner's collection and to maintain the simple details of the existing Butler's Pantry cabinets which we kept and restored. Wallpaper selections were made by the client with help from Mona Berman Interiors.</span></p>

Chevy Chase, MD

Jul 2015

<p><span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">We were hired in 1999 by our neighbor to work with them to come up with a master plan to help them to develop their property in the Haycock neighborhood of Falls Church. With a large lot and a steady foundation provided by a 1940's rambler, we had a blank slate to work with.</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">The first phase was to finish the basement, with nice trim, drywall, lighting, storage areas and better insulation. This was done in 2003.</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">The second phase was to renovate the existing bathrooms and to re-trim the bedrooms of the main level, giving some style to the house while waiting for a larger renovation. This was done in 2004.</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">In 2008 we built a large porch across the front of the house -- see some of the photos with just the porch.</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">In 2014, we finished the largest part of the master plan and added a left side addition, a rear addition, renovated the existing living room, dining room and kitchen, and one of the bedrooms, plus raised the roof with an all new top level.</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">We still have a rear patio to do, but otherwise, are complete with the master plan.</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">This project is a great example of using the proper planning to break down a project into phases that can be afforded.</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Though the neighborhood was just ramblers, we have paved the way with a number of projects including Seth Ballard's own house and the builders are now following, with 6 tear downs on the block. We of course still prefer our own way of doing things, as we keep the trees.</span><br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <br style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;" /> <span style="font-family: proxima-nova, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">The latest project was built by Ali Rouhani and his construction company AR Design Group. He is also owner of Ideal Tile of Falls Church, a long time design store on Broad Street. dThey did an excellent job.</span></p>

Falls Church, VA

Jun 2015

<p>This unusual McLean Property overlooking a small pond and the start of a creek bed, was purchased by our client with the goal of building a dream waterfront home. &nbsp; Our client is a top Northern Virginia Real Estate agent and recognized the opportunity for this neighborhood near Potomac School and this unique property. &nbsp; The neighborhood homes are already 5 bedrooms, with 2 car garages, eat in kitchens and have larger lots. &nbsp;With these features, many homeowners have just done minor renovations in place to their homes. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Builders are now starting to do tear downs and have seen the value of the neighborhood. &nbsp;The existing house had a lot of square footage that worked, including most of the 2nd floor, so we decided a renovation was a better approach, with a large multi-story addition and major landscaping and hardscaping to enjoy the wonderful property.</p> <p>We were excited to take on this project as our client's goal was to develop an elegant and more traditional project that caters to a broader market in the Washington, DC area. &nbsp;Many clients come to us for Arts and Crafts style or modern, so we are happy to have the opportunity to show what we can do in a more traditional palette. &nbsp;</p> <p>We first re-did the front facade with landscaping, new shutters, new windows, a new portico, new roofing, new dormers and a new garage door.</p> <p>Then we re-did the entire layout of the first floor, &nbsp;changing the existing family room into a study with two desks and a seating area around a fireplace. &nbsp; We renovated the powder room with some blingy wallpaper and beautiful mirror and fixtures. &nbsp;The Living Room is redecorated with new furniture and fabrics. &nbsp;We made the dining room larger and added wainscot panels and a new french door system out to a balcony with a sea coastal (color) stained pergola and stair down to the stone terraces. &nbsp; We renovated the garage to be fit for a Porsche and built a dream mudroom with bench, cubbies and a black board for messages.</p> <p>We then built a large addition that houses what we feel is the perfect classical kitchen, full of light, beaded inset cabinetry from Cabico with custom muntin design in the upper doors, &nbsp;top of the line appliances and a large walnut top on the center island. &nbsp; The kitchen overlooks a breakfast room with a Paris restaurant inspired padded walls and a Family Room with cathedral ceiling and skylights for looking over the wooded backyard and paradise that we carved out of the hillside.</p> <p>The basement of the addition added a full bedroom suite and a large rec room with built ins. &nbsp;Within the old part of the basement we added a large 2nd laundry room and an exercise room. &nbsp;The basement steps out to the lowest of 3 patios that are surrounded by beautiful stone boulders and new landscaping. We worked in team with Bright Construction Group to carve the boulders and boulder steps into the hill, then hired landscape architect Joe Richardson to fill in the plantings.</p> <p>The mid level terrace has large slabs of stone under seating around a gas fire pit. &nbsp; This connects to the top patio with sitting walls, &nbsp;a built in grill and bbq and beautiful views overlooking the water.</p> <p>The top level of the addition houses the master suite, complete with his and hers dream closets, &nbsp;and a master bath to live in.</p> <p>Denny and Gardner Inc. did a fabulous job of building the project and managed to keep the homeowner in the house while they did so. &nbsp;They should be very proud of their craftsmanship throughout the house.</p> <p>We are very proud of this house. &nbsp;Our client will live in it for a few more years and then it will go for sale. &nbsp;We are confident it will fetch a great price.</p>

McLean, VA

May 2015

Set on a sloped and wooded corner lot in DC's beautiful Spring Valley, this existing residence was small but charming when our clients hired us to help them expand it and renovate it. They were drawn to our appreciation for the Not So Big House philosophies that we share with famous author Susan Saranka. We only had 9 feet to add to the house, but with creative planning, built-ins in every room and re-arrangement of the 2nd floor plan and part of the first, we made it count. We are proud of the projects success in updating a lovely home without losing its original charm.

Washington, DC

Jul 2014

Our clients for this project are best friends with all of their neighbors and are always hosting large parties. In an early meeting, I saw the largest birthday cake I had ever seen and realized we needed to create a large party space. They are wonderful hosts and even every meeting we had was fun and always over food. The existing house was a basic suburban house in Silver Spring with a nice kitchen renovation already complete and a huge deck. We designed a front porch with a wrap around connection to a large screened porch, a large open deck and stair down to a large patio and fire pit area. We relocated the existing solar panels. The contractor named it the amazing porch and the carpenters called us a little crazy, or arquitecto loco for the size of the main ridge beams we specified. The porch has already hosted several large parties and promises to host many more over time.

Silver Spring, MD

Feb 2014

Originally designed as a spec home for sale, eventually, our client fell in love with this Little City setting and decided to make it their own home. The home was a 1940's rambler, with a small addition on it. We re-configured the entire first floor and renovated every square foot of it .. all new wiring, plumbing, crawl space drainage, mechanical and drywall. Then we raised the roof and added the front porch and rear screened porch. We kept a few interesting brick details and saved structure and all existing landscaping. Inspired by the "Not So Big House" movement, this home offers comfortable and cozy spaces that are designed to fit the client's large furniture and art collection. The spaces are large enough to fit furniture and feel comfortable, but no bigger than they need to be. Our clients have done a great job decorating (on their own) and deserve an award for having the house photo ready as you will see through this photo tour.

Falls Church, VA

Jan 2014

<p>Our client found us on this one by searching Feng Shui and Architect. Starting with a very tight split foyer and awkward stairwell, small kitchen and odd circulation ... our focus of the project was to integrate the spaces, create a new modern kitchen for a major chef and to fix the chi and energy of the house.</p> <p>We expanded the foyer with a new entrance portico and stair, new maple and metal railings, etched glass and stainless entry system and limestone and forged metal tiles.</p> <p>The formerly traditional living room with arched windows was replaced with new flooring, new horizontal grained birch millwork by RKI, and modern door systems looking out to the pool.</p> <p>The kitchen is a mix of birch cabinets, with metal framed back painted etched glass. The birch panels on the ceiling offer a different take on a ceiling cove.</p> <p>The back painted glass backsplash was hand done by Keith Hudson.</p>

McLean, VA

Nov 2013

On a beautiful lot in Oakton, Virginia overlooking a pond and nature area, we were challenged with renovating a home that was already nice and already renovated and added onto a few times, but was missing only a few elements. He wanted to be able to do wood work again, and to better grow his beloved citrus trees .. limes, lemons and oranges. She wanted a master suite with a dressing area large enough that she did not have to spread into several closets, and a master bath that feels like the high end hotels and spas that they travel to. We worked hard to create both.

Oakton, VA

Oct 2013

Located just a few houses up from the Ballard Residence, this project gave us a chance to show we can work in a more traditional style. After helping our client to renovate their basement years ago, it was time to renovate the first floor completely and to add a new bedroom level to this Falls Church rambler. The new front porch serves to reduce the scale to that of the rest of the low rambler neighborhood and behind it is a new higher first floor ceiling and an entire new 2nd floor hosting a master suite, laundry room and bedroom for the client's son. A grand new kitchen, rear deck and patio and very open floor plan serves to host regular parties for the neighborhood.

Falls Church, VA