Marc & Brandy's Home
Bullis Park, Silver Spring, MD
A modern home in harmony with its neighborhood.
Marc and Brandy first connected with us after attending an open house for one of our previous projects. Inspired to create a home of their own, they enlisted our help in finding the right property. After months of searching, they discovered an ideal lot just a short walk from downtown Silver Spring. The site offered not only the convenience of urban proximity but also enough backyard space to accommodate a regulation basketball court for their three boys.
Situated in a neighborhood of modestly scaled homes, Marc and Brandy envisioned a design that would reflect their modern sensibilities while respecting the character and scale of the surrounding streetscape. The resulting home makes the most of its compact lot, with expansive windows that flood the interior with natural light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The exterior balances contemporary lines with a carefully curated material palette of stucco, board-and-batten, and lap siding with accents of natural wood. This careful combination complements the surrounding homes without imitating them.
A Warm Welcome
Stepping inside, a modern open-riser wood staircase greets you, while natural light pours in from oversized clerestory windows above. The minimalist design of the space is complemented by a custom walnut shelving system, free-spanning between two walls, that offers both functionality and a subtle divider for the front sitting room.
A Warm Welcome
Stepping inside, a modern open-riser wood staircase greets you, while natural light pours in from oversized clerestory windows above. The minimalist design of the space is complemented by a custom walnut shelving system, free-spanning between two walls, that offers both functionality and a subtle divider for the front sitting room.
Project Team
Design
Carib Daniel Martin A+D
Construction
Classic Homes of MD
Engineering
Potomac Valley Surveys
Structural Engineering Unlimited
Photography
Anice Hoachlander
Modern design merges with everyday life.
The interior design of the home embraces an open-concept layout that balances openness with thoughtfully defined spaces for everyday family life. The spacious central kitchen blends a mix of painted cabinetry with custom walnut inserts, and a large waterfall island serves as both a functional workspace and a gathering spot for the family.
Beyond the kitchen, the bright and airy living room is anchored by a floor-to-ceiling granite fireplace and media center, while the dining area is positioned to overlook the broad backyard. Throughout, the minimalist trim, crisp white walls, and bleached oak flooring contribute to a calm and serene atmosphere.
Hidden above is a quiet escape for the family.
In contrast to the open, communal areas on the lower level, the upper-floor offers space for privacy and personal retreat. The children’s rooms are carefully laid out to ensure equal treatment, with access to thoughtfully-designed bathrooms. The primary suite, which overlooks the backyard, features a vaulted ceiling, a custom walk-in dressing room, and a luxurious bathroom with a soaking tub, walk-in shower, and a double-wide walnut vanity. Throughout this level, the emphasis was on incorporating finish details and carefully placed windows to create a restful space to relax and unwind.
The family that plays together stays together.
From the beginning, Marc and Brandy prioritized designing a home that would offer plenty of space for their family to work, play, and live day-to-day. They envisioned a home that would encourage their children to stay active, while also providing areas for study, creativity, and relaxation. This vision was realized with the inclusion of a professional sports court in the backyard, a versatile office alcove on the main level, and a spacious playroom and gym in the basement. In the end, the home became a place where the family could grow, connect, and create lasting memories.
From our first meeting, Carib and Gabriela were intentional about truly getting to know us and weaving our wants, needs, and daily patterns into the fabric of our home. It's so refreshing to live in a home, made just for us, that we barely want to leave and are eager to return.
— Marc & Brandy