Hollin Hills - Mid-Century Modern Realized

Apr 20, 2024,21:05 PM
 

Just outside Washington, DC, in Northern Virginia, lies an early planned development called Hollin Hills, now a historic district. There are around 450 homes built from about 1950 - 1970, and they share a common architectural DNA courtesy of architect Charles M Goodwin. The district is further characterized by thoughtful use of the existing hilly terrain, careful siting, and incorporation of numerous small parks. It all seems well thought out and executed, and remains true to its original identity, given its protected status. 


Some obvious design elements that stand out in Hollin Hills are the expansive use of glass, lack of garages, integration with the terrain, and a certain overall modesty. I would say these homes have an identity, and I find them appealing relative to the more common colonials and oversized McMansions in the area - we're just a couple miles from Mount Vernon. Here are a few examples of Hollin Hills homes.   






























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6th and 7th, for me!

 
 By: amanico : April 20th, 2024-21:11

Nice, thanks for sharing.

 
 By: Thomas_3 : April 20th, 2024-21:17
Can definitely tell they are "older homes" but all look very well maintained. and I like all of them. I'm not sure I coiuld live in a smaller home than we are in now, and it is not considered big, but we have plenty of room for what is now the 2 of us. I ... 

I'd pick....

 
 By: InHavenPro : April 20th, 2024-21:26
Number 7 . Pleasant neighborhood indeed.... Thank you for the pictures, cheers, Filip

I think older Rockville has it's share of Mid-Century. Not sure about Silver Spring.

 
 By: Steve E : April 21st, 2024-00:10
But perhaps not as coherent as Hollin Hall.

1st for me

 
 By: brauner : April 20th, 2024-22:28
If not Fallingwater.

Just noticed on my second look,

 
 By: Thomas_3 : April 20th, 2024-23:24
do none of these have a garage?

There are a few scattered homes with attached garages, but I'd guess they were add ons.

 
 By: Steve E : April 21st, 2024-00:15
You can see carports in some of the photos, which should be original.

There’s nothing I hate more than a house that was thrown together just to be big.

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : April 20th, 2024-23:48
And these seem to be the exact opposite of that. #8 for me, and then some others of the two level houses.

Totally agree, and

 
 By: Steve E : April 21st, 2024-00:44
I like that number 8 a lot as well.

Not my style...

 
 By: mdg : April 21st, 2024-00:15
...these don't look much like the mid-century homes we see in CA...