kids on the block

Architect Gregory Kearley, AIA, of Inscape Studio in Washington, D.C., planned a modern scheme for this Youth Build affordable house in the city’s historic Anacostia neighborhood. That is, until he encountered the district’s strict review board and reworked the three-bedroom home for a more traditional look. The 1,650-square-foot residence—developed by ARCH, the nonprofit Action to Rehabilitate Community Housing—“telescopes in a way that is consistent with other nearby buildings,” Kearley says. He located the main entrance at the side of the house to minimize circulation space, allowing more square footage for living area. Stairs, laundry area, and bathrooms are consolidated in the central core. Neighborhood youth will build this house, which features sustainable lumber inside, Hardiplank on the outside, and a small green roof above the central core. Says the architect, “Besides being a project for the kids, we hope it will be a learning device for the neighborhood in general.”