Single-Level Sanctuary Crafted for Tranquility and Personalized Living
Overview
Building a truly personal oasis in Northern Virginia means adapting to unexpected turns, embracing a collaborative spirit, and letting the landscape lead the way. For this 5,000 sq ft one-level home, we navigated structural surprises and county complexities to deliver a space as unique as its owners.
Challenges
Existing House - Our journey began with plans to expand upon a classic 1950s slab-on-grade home. Yet, as we peeled back the layers, it became clear that years of wear and regulatory demands from Fairfax County made saving the original structure financially unsound. Sometimes, the best way forward is a fresh start.
Existing Pool - In-ground pools are rare finds in Northern Virginia, thanks to stringent Stormwater Management rules that often place them out of budget. This property’s pool, already in place and beautifully constructed, was a gift. We made it our mission to site the new home with intention by safeguarding a flat front yard and preserving the pool’s prime location. The result: a low-profile home designed to echo fond childhood memories.
Utilization of the Pond - Many see a pond as a potential permitting challenge; here, it became a critical asset. Ordinarily, a sprawling single-level footprint comes with costly stormwater mitigation requirements. By integrating the pond into our stormwater calculations, we avoided extra stormwater facilities, slashing both upfront costs and long-term maintenance while still achieving the layout our clients dreamed of.
Solutions and Features
Insulation - Serenity was a must. With a bustling street nearby, we wrapped the home around the pool, crafting a natural sound barrier for the outdoor haven. All exterior and bedroom walls, interior or otherwise, were framed with oversized 2x6 studs and densely packed with cellulose insulation, ensuring the peace and quiet essential to a true escape.
One-Level Living - Crafting a sprawling single-story home in this region is no small feat. By incorporating soaring 9’ ceilings throughout the common areas and 10’ ceilings in the primary suite, we managed to blend luxurious height with seamless grade, carefully calibrating window and door elevations so the house’s profile remains pleasing from any angle.
Personal Touch - Above all, this project is a celebration of the homeowners’ vision. Eschewing a traditional designer, they poured themselves into every choice — from real cedar shake and stone veneer to window shades, white oak floors, and each bathroom tile. Their hands
I believe that deciding to invest in your home is always an important decision, and who you decide to work with is of the same importance. We bought a very unique piece of property and decided to build a custom home. Our research led us to Horizon Building. Horizon Building has been building new homes, delivering renovations and home additions for almost 40 years in Northern Virginia. This is a generational family business so you should expect a very personal vs. corporate relationship, and you will benefit from a team that knows how to navigate ever changing Fairfax County building requirements! For us, this is exactly what we had hoped for, as unique projects require collaboration and communication. We are one year into living in our new home, and we are very happy. And Horizon Building Corporation has remained proactive in addressing any concerns that come up as the house settles in. This is a full recommendation to consider working with Horizon Building Corporation for any investment you decide to make in your home.
Visit Other Homes
Don’t be shy—we’d love to show you around! Explore the homes we’ve built and see how we’ve brought families’ dreams to life.
9th Street
We built a modern and stylish new build for our customer's unique desires. This custom home combines sleek design with functional living spaces, making it the ideal place to call home while flaunting an attractive curb appeal.
LaBurch
After the customer ditched a previous builder, Horizon stepped in to strategically build a modern, luxurious home at a budget-friendly price tag.
Do You Have a Project in Mind?
Let us help you design your dream house.
