Clean and Contemporary

Perched on a rolling hillside that slopes toward the James River, the home was formerly cut off from its views by ill-placed, small windows inside and natural overgrowth outside. Our launchpad for renovation began with the idea of a curated edit. We carved out sightlines to the river that would serve as the home’s visual focal point, and we slowly began to take things away from the existing house in order to open it—like an aperture—to the view.  

We created an effortless flow throughout the home, removing interior walls to create an open-concept plan that was ripe for entertaining. Modern windows wrap the house and invite attention outside to the natural setting. We united the guest wing and the main house with a glass breezeway that enunciates the architectural theme of transparency. Warm, white oak keeps the otherwise minimalistic spaces from feeling austere or cold, while crisp, white walls provide the perfect backdrop for the clients’ extensive collection of fine art.

Portions of this project were done while principal at 3north