Encore Sustainable Architects

09/02/2025

A recent meet, greet and tour at the Poplar Grove property included Willie Graham, Carl Lounsbury, Adam Goodhart, Sherri Marsh-Johns, Olivia Woods (owner) and several others from Maryland Historical Trust. Encore's Ward Bucher led the tour.

It was a star-studded group of and historical .with lots of questions and ideas about the multilayered history of the 11 generation property and its multiple renovations and additions over the years.

In these images, the group excitedly inspects the out of the ordinary bonding on the exterior brick, discusses drawings to get a handle on the myriad of changes to the house, and examines a portion of the house where an original winder stair existed.

For more on the property: https://ow.ly/JMUa50WHR9j

08/26/2025

Unlocking Efficiency Through Energy Modeling

Adaptive reuse isn’t just about preserving history—it’s about building smarter for the future. At Encore Sustainable Architects, we’re leveraging energy modeling with Lorax Partnerships LLC to guide design decisions that maximize performance and sustainability in every adaptive reuse project.

Our latest article explores how energy modeling helps:
>Compare system performance
>Predict energy savings
>Optimize envelope upgrades
>Support informed client decisions

By modeling energy use early in the design process, we uncover opportunities to cut costs, reduce carbon, and extend the lifecycle of existing buildings—all while honoring their original character.

Read more about how we're integrating sustainability with preservation:
https://ow.ly/2j4950VQ7Ir

08/21/2025

A recent meet, greet and tour at the Poplar Grove property included Willie Graham, Carl Lounsbury, Adam Goodhart, Sherri Marsh-Johns, Olivia Woods (owner) and several others from Maryland Historical Trust. Encore's Ward Bucher led the tour.

It was a star-studded group of and historical .with lots of questions and ideas about the multilayered history of the 11 generation property and its multiple renovations and additions over the years.

In these images, the group examines a portion of the house where an original winder stair existed, discusses drawings to get a handle on the myriad of changes to the house, and excitedly inspects the out of the ordinary bonding on the exterior brick.

For more on the property: https://ow.ly/JMUa50WHR9j

08/19/2025

Encore has started preparation of a Historic Structure Report (HSR) for the summerhouse on the grounds of Montpelier Mansion in Laurel, Maryland. Built in 1793, this summerhouse is a rare remaining example of an 18th century garden belvedere.

https://ow.ly/7g7850WHw3q

08/12/2025

Who designed this coffee maker? And where did we find such a gorgeous piece of ?

https://ow.ly/z2s150WBxlw

08/07/2025

Take the plunge this summer into swimming spots! Can't get away? Just enjoy this post from the National Trust for Historic Presentation.

Dive in to eight pool at hisotric sites across the country.

07/29/2025

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, the hosts chat with Olivia Wood of Poplar Grove, one of our projects. Olivia shares how she's embracing the responsibility of preservation while also making the space her own. Listen to the podcast now: https://ow.ly/AAIy50WeUNa

Then learn more about our work: https://ow.ly/G99w50WeUN9

07/24/2025

Check out a few more hidden treasures uncovered during flooring in the Library at one of our oldest properties. Here's a peek at one:

The original stone foundation of this 18th centruy Library can be seen here beneath the door.

https://ow.ly/lACg50WgW9s

07/22/2025

Our QA work at MacDonough Hall never ends and never ceases to inspire. Check out the recent completion of the of the terra cotta and ironwork.

https://ow.ly/sR6T50WgVVg

07/17/2025

This month we have visitors to our Poplar Grove property. Established in 1669, this property has stayed in the family for 11 generations. Tomorrow, Maryland Historical Trust and William Graham, former curator of for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation will tour the property.

https://ow.ly/qozE50WgVLm

07/15/2025

Check out a few more hidden treasures uncovered during flooring in the Library at one of our oldest properties. Here's a peek at one:

The Library floor vanished for a moment as the floor was being repaired. Note the original brick basement floor.

https://ow.ly/4uee50WgVq1