Clipper Duplex

Borrowing from the patterns of development that give this 200-year old mill valley its character, this infill housing project manages to integrate modern homes into a unique industrial setting.

Designed as duplexes that mimic many of the older home groupings in the surrounding neighborhoods, the design accommodates radical changes in topography while remaining somewhat repetitive in layout. This results in two primary plans that deal with side hill or front and rear sloped conditions, the first an at-grade 1-car garage unit, the other a lower level 2-car unit. The units are grouped to create defined car courts allowing side access to minimize the impact of the automobile on the overall development.

Key design elements include floor to ceiling glass acting as a void between a stone base and a board and batten sided upper level. The second floor is framed from heavy timbers and planking allowing an exposed “loft” aesthetic at the main living level. Clerestory lighting the full length of the bathrooms allows light while maintaining privacy between the units.

The project became the first LEED Residential Silver rated project in Maryland.