Ballard Mensua Architecture was re-engaged by long-time clients to reimagine their Waterfront home in McLean, where they had raised their three children and were preparing to welcome grandchildren. After 25 years, the goal was to expand and modernize the home without losing its character—or overwhelming the site with scale or cost.

Key project goals included adding a first-floor bedroom/flexible office, an improved mudroom and laundry, an expanded kitchen, and enhanced outdoor living spaces. We also designed a new gathering space—a warm, intimate room nicknamed the “Elite 8” room, ideal for small get-togethers. Complete with a fireplace, wet bar, media zone, and breakfast table, it connects seamlessly to a new deck and patio, while respecting the existing rooflines and budget.

The kitchen was doubled in size, featuring custom cabinetry, wood-trimmed columns, and integrated Tech Lighting. Throughout the home, built-ins and layered architectural details reflect the Not So Big House principles—creating purposeful spaces without excess.

Distinctive style influences personalize each area: a Santorini-inspired bathroom with beach-toned mosaic stone, and a southwestern-style Elite 8 room nodding to the owners' travels. With a walkout basement already in place, we placed the addition on piers to minimize construction costs without sacrificing usability.

This renovation is a true example of thoughtful, multi-generational design—balancing efficiency, elegance, and enduring function.