Severn View Residence

Annapolis, Maryland

Sited on a bluff near the mouth of the Severn River with southerly panoramic views of Chesapeake Bay, the skyline of the City of Annapolis and the U.S. Naval Academy, this new house will not only gaze out upon the Colonial city and maritime environs as prospect but it will reference and reinterpret the established architectural genius loci of Annapolis.  Based on a Palladian five-part plan, the main block was conceived as an octagon form, which afforded clean geometric adaptation to unique site constraints. On approach, the two outreaching pavilion wings create an intimate arrival-court space, which postpones the view and brings initial focus to the architecture. The simple “L” plan form maximizes exposure for choreographed, panoramic, views on the garden side.