HOMEWORK from the archives >

DEAR HOMEWORK,

We need to rebuild our rotting and unstable deck very soon. We would like to incorporate a veranda over part of it and expand the lower patio underneath it. We also would like to save the trees near the deck. Our ultimate goal is to make the area more of an outdoor living space.

Sincerely, —ALL DECKED OUT

DEAR ALL DECKED OUT,

You could use the desire for needed changes to dramatically improve the appearance of the rear façade of your home. As with many recently built homes, your existing rear elevation is an undetailed afterthought. Removing the decayed wood deck will allow you to replace it with a new, architecturally more prominent covered porch, which would give the home the major focus it currently lacks. A new brick chimney for the outdoor fireplace reinforces attention to this part of the composition.

To connect these additions to the lower level, an elegant double staircase is used. A new, curved-brick retaining wall allows for an enlarged lower terrace and further reinforces the architecture. The remaining part of the façade gets dark wood accents to break up the overall ‘beigeness’; flower boxes and a new roof overhang add detail and shadows.

The back of your house now has a custom feel as well as enhanced utility. The existing trees frame it perfectly and it all feels like it has always been there.

—HOMEWORK

HOMEWORK WAS PENNED BY THE LATE PAUL DOERNER, FOUNDING PARTNER OF THE LAWRENCE GROUP. TO CELEBRATE HIS LEGACY, T&S IS PULLING SOME OF HIS OLDER COLUMNS FROM THE ARCHIVES TO SHARE.

Modern Luxury Living In The Heart of Clayton 7616 Maryland Avenue

Elevator Serves All 3 Levels 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Baths | $2,269,000 5,262 Square Feet of Living Space

No detail was missed in this beautiful brick and stone residence with copper accents. Highlights include 10’ ceiling on the main & lower levels, job finished white oak hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces, designer lighting throughout, Wolf & Subzero appliances, quartz counter tops, and covered deck.