Letter
Dear Mr. Ejtemai:
In its public meeting of 15 September conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a revised concept submission for three new single-family houses on three contiguous unimproved lots at 4652–4656 Broad Branch Road, NW (case number SL 21-189). Expressing appreciation for the development of the design, the Commission approved the revised concept with the following comments.
The Commission members commended the thoughtful, sensitive design of the houses and sites on this constrained property within the natural landscape extending from Rock Creek Park. They acknowledged the careful siting of the houses on steeply sloped lots with many heritage trees, and they commented that the proposed palette of exterior materials beautifully reflects the wooded surroundings. However, they found that the proposed large garage doors may appear too conspicuous; they recommended that these be more recessive in color. They endorsed the proposed dark-sky approach to lighting, which minimizes new building and site lighting sources. They recommended care in the selection of plant materials along the alley and at its intersection with Broad Branch Road in order to avoid encroachments into the alley and to allow safe visibility at the intersection.
The Commission looks forward to completing the review of the design for these houses. Please coordinate the final design submission with the staff, which is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Keyhan Ejtemai
Core Build Plus
818 Nethercliffe Hall Road
Great Falls, VA 22066
cc: Richard Williams, Richard Williams Architects
Joseph Chambers, Landscape Architecture Bureau