Admirals Way

Location: Potomac, Maryland

Type: Residential

Description: Designed for a young professional in Washington, D.C., this residence offers a refined and understated environment ideal for entertaining. Positioned on a sloping site overlooking the Potomac River, the home draws inspiration from the nearby C&O Canal.

The canal’s historic stone lock walls—once used to cut trenches through the earth for passing ships—informed both the concept and material palette. These walls are reinterpreted to retain the hillside and define the primary living spaces of the home.

Embedding the main living area within the slope achieves the quiet, grounded atmosphere the client envisioned. Support spaces are tucked alongside, while the garage and bedrooms are housed within timber volumes that rest above the stone base.

A central courtyard links both levels, drawing natural light deep into the interior. To unify the architecture and provide filtered shade, the upper level is wrapped in rope—an homage to the lines once used to pull boats along the canal.