3-Season Room: Porch in Progress
This is Wentworth’s first “project in progress” post! We are currently building a sunroom/porch in Northwest Washington, DC.
The Background
A brick Colonial Revival built in 1948 was home to a married couple both working in Washington, DC. Conveniently located in the American University Park neighborhood in Northwest, DC, the house has a large south-facing garden enjoyed by their two loved dogs and overlooking the Japanese Embassy’s well-landscaped gardens where cherry blossoms abound in the springtime.
The homeowners like to be outdoors but had concerns about mosquitoes and sought a design/build firm to create a three-season porch/sunroom where they could enjoy the view, sunlight and privacy of their ideal setting without the worry of insects. They were intrigued by the rustic feel of a porch while also maintaining the comforts of a three-season screened porch. To enhance the functionality of the porch, we designed a small deck area to accommodate a propane gas grill.
Architectural Harmony
The new porch (15’ x 18”) was designed to be sympathetic to the home’s Colonial Revival style. The porch’s gable roof maintains the same slope, gracefully joining the existing house, and the walls are detailed with pilasters and crown molding. Screen panel elevations were treated in a rhythmic pattern that brings the eye up to the large clerestory, while the new to-grade stair links the backyard to the three-season room and grilling deck area.
Practical, Three-season Room
To extend the use of the new porch to three seasons, the design utilizes removable glass-like panels (to be fitted over the screens) that help control temperature, wind, pollen and snow. Elevated about 6 feet above the backyard to take advantage of the views, the area beneath the porch was fitted-out with custom-built racks to store the removable storm panels in the summer. The wood lattice enclosure below the porch gives the structure a more finished appearance and provides additional storage for lawn furniture and garden equipment. Additionally, four ceiling-mounted infrared electric heaters were specified for the chilly months.
Interior Fit-Out
The homeowners wanted a stylish porch that would complement the design of their upscale home. A vaulted ceiling provides a sense of space, air flow, and expansiveness. High-quality wood flooring, decorative beams, and bead board ceiling treatments help elevate the aesthetics of the porch experience.
Ventilation
Atop the new gable roof is a central modern style clerestory fitted with electrically operated awning windows, which allows the homeowner to take advantage of the naturally occurring stack effect and ventilate the space at the touch of a button. Ten-foot-high screened walls on 3 ½ sides allow cross-breezes to gently cool the space. Two “Haiku” paddle fans from Big Ass Fans can provide additional air movement when needed.
Furnishings
The couple sought to replace their old deck with a new slightly larger three-season screened porch with grilling area. They wanted to furnish the new porch with an oval table and four chairs for their evening meals, two club chairs for relaxing, and a second lounge seating area for reading, TV viewing and napping. Ideally, the porch would be designed with ample space for the homeowners, guests, and dogs. The couple also envisioned including beautiful indoor/outdoor fabrics and all-weather rugs to define the seating areas.
Here are three “sketch ups” from our team:
Sunroom Addition in Washington, DC
We are looking forward to finishing this project so our clients can enjoy their new 3-season room and gorgeous views of the Japanese Embassy’s gardens. Pictures of the finished porch will be posted in the gallery.
If you want to discuss a remodeling project and need help bringing your vision to life, contact Wentworth!
