December 2015: Cover Profile

Words: Dan Kamys

Naylor Court Stables Townhomes

Details

Naylor Court Stables TownhomesLocated in Washington, D.C., Naylor Court Stables Townhomes dates back to the late-18th century. The historic Washington, D.C., district in which Naylor Court Stables townhomes were constructed is one of the few examples of alley dwellings in the nation’s capital. The four-story luxury homes each have a rear carriage house, and all three share a single brick motor court. To emulate the simple, clean lines of the utilitarian alleys of the 1800s, a boxy design was chosen for the townhomes, which was more aligned with wood-mold formed brick than steel-molded brick, and achieved using General Shale’s Mesa Verde modular brick. Original schemes included much heavier detailing than historic regulations would allow, so a meticulously designed brick cornice was incorporated to relieve the boxy feel of the townhomes. The brick used in the wall in the gated motor court is tied to the brick used on the townhomes, while the original brick alley, removed to accommodate utility work, was rebuilt with new brick. A straw-colored mortar was chosen to match the trim on the window sills and headers, roof deck and covered front entryways in keeping with the historic façade. This also prevented the red brick from becoming too overwhelming from an aesthetic standpoint. Elevations achieve the look of a 19th century urban stable with heavy brick detailing, functional gates and sliding barn doors, horse-height windows, and hayloft doors and pulleys. Mason Contractor M V & Son Masonry Architect GPS Designs Supplier General Shale, Inc. Photographers Bob Narod, Photographer, LLC
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