Forest Escape on the Water

Edgewater Waterfront Custom Home in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area

In 2013, our clients found the perfect setting for their retirement dream: 2.76 acres of untouched forest along Brewer Creek in Edgewater, Maryland. Because the property sat within a conservation easement, only a limited portion of the land could be disturbed, making this a unique and exciting design challenge.

After years of careful planning and waiting for regulatory approvals, the moratorium on the site was lifted and the design permit was finally issued in 2019. By July 2020, construction was complete, and our clients moved into their custom-built, forest-embraced waterfront retreat – a home intentionally designed to honor the landscape that drew them here in the first place.

A Unique Conservation Challenge

This property lies within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, which includes all land within 1,000 feet of Maryland’s tidal waters and wetlands. Building here demands a deep understanding of environmental regulations, including:

• Site clearing restrictions

• Forest conservation requirements

• Zoning and Health Department approvals

• Stringent Anne Arundel County development limitations

Our clients chose HD Squared Architects because of our longstanding commitment to designing sustainable, resilient homes that respect Maryland’s natural ecosystems.

Designing a Home That Protects the Land

Working within the Critical Area isn’t just a design parameter, it’s a responsibility. Our team approached the project with the goal of preserving as much of the existing forest as possible, enhancing the integrity of the ecosystem, and minimizing long-term impacts.

We successfully preserved 78% of the forest, keeping more than two acres intact to support wildlife habitat and maintain the natural character of the land. Walking paths wind through the untouched wooded areas, providing a quiet connection to the environment year-round.

During construction, we incorporated enhanced building details that promote sustainability, resilience, and efficiency. This 5,000 sq ft custom home includes:

• Zoned high-efficiency mechanical systems with smart-home climate control

• ZIP-R insulated wall system for added thermal performance

• Conditioned crawlspace for improved moisture and energy management

• Low-flow plumbing fixtures to reduce water use

• LED lighting throughout

• Low-VOC paints and sealants for improved indoor air quality

Highlights in this Custom Waterfront Home

Main Level — Designed for Single-Level Living

• Open kitchen with leathered granite countertops, Silgranit farm sink, and central island with gas cooktop

• Owner’s suite with expansive southeast-facing waterfront views

• His-and-hers full bathrooms with complementary walk-in closets

• Guest bedroom and accessible full bath

• Spacious, hardworking main-level laundry room

• A dramatic den with cathedral ceilings, a two-story stone fireplace, and open staircase leading to the loft

Upper Level — Purposeful Flexibility

• A large landing designed to showcase the owner’s antique billiards table

• Ipe balcony overlooking Brewer Creek

• Private office with a screened porch

• Dedicated poker table area with a wet bar

• Home theater with stepped seating above the garage

• Additional guest suite with two bedrooms and a full bath

A Home That Lives Lightly on the Land

This Edgewater custom waterfront home is more than a retirement residence, it’s a thoughtful merging of architecture and ecology. By balancing environmental stewardship with modern comfort, the design ensures the home will serve its owners gracefully for decades while preserving the natural beauty of Maryland’s Critical Area.

Photos by Geoffrey Hodgdon
Aerial Photos by Hunter Davis