One of Zion Developments' most ambitious endeavors to date, The Barry is the kind of home that quietly redefines luxury when proportion, craftsmanship, and place find harmony together. Located in the verdant Kensington enclave of Maryland, this newly completed house opens out across 7,000 square feet with a line of private balconies, expansive al fresco living spaces, and painstakingly detailed interior accents—all brought together under a modern transitional design ideal.
In this episode of our Behind the Build, we’ll walk you through the vision, design process, and architectural decisions that brought The Barry from a computer rendering to one of the most elegant homes in the DMV market.
Originally announced as one of our “biggest projects to date,” The Barry began as a large-scale redevelopment project that required a completely fresh structural vision. Our goal was to transform a traditional single-family footprint into a modern transitional residence that balances architectural sophistication with real-world livability.
The final result includes:
Every square foot was carefully planned with the lifestyle of future residents in mind—from grand open areas perfect for entertaining to quiet nooks meant for personal retreat.
One of the most important features of The Barry is how natural light was woven into every phase of the build. Large windows introduce sunlight into every room, adding ambiance that softens the crisp geometry of the design.
The open-concept floor plan promotes easy flow among kitchen, living, and dining areas, encouraging casual gathering while preserving quiet zones of privacy. On the second floor, each bedroom is a refuge. And with multiple balconies, residents enjoy ample opportunities to step outdoors—whether for morning coffee, evening reflection, or private conversation.
The lower level offers unprecedented flexibility in today’s housing market. With its own full bathroom, bedroom, and wet bar, it can serve as a guest suite, media room, or in-law apartment. It’s this kind of intelligent floor plan design that creates long-term value and supports families across life stages.
One of the qualities that makes The Barry truly special is its setting. Kensington, Maryland, is a suburb that blends peaceful residential living with urban convenience. Tree-lined avenues, historic architecture, and tight-knit neighborhoods create a lifestyle that feels serene yet connected.
The home is just minutes from downtown Bethesda, and with easy access to I-495, Rock Creek Park, and the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro, residents can commute into D.C. with ease while enjoying the comforts of a suburban community.
Well-regarded public and private schools, boutique shopping, and local farmers markets round out the neighborhood appeal—making Kensington a long-time favorite among families, professionals, and artists alike.
Here at Zion Developments, we believe custom luxury is about more than finishes—it's about how a house feels, functions, and comes to life over time. We approach every project with a combination of architectural restraint and emotional depth, ensuring design supports real life without ever compromising beauty.
The Barry embodies that philosophy. From its earliest 3D visualization to the final walk-through, we prioritized precision craftsmanship, thoughtful finishes, and intelligent flow. Every choice—from where the HVAC was placed to the tone of the floors—was made with long-term livability in mind.
We don’t create to impress. We create to last.
Whether you're a growing family, a professional looking for an inspirational retreat, or someone who simply loves expansive luxury with modern convenience, The Barry offers something rare: a house that is spacious yet intimate.
To explore more Zion projects or learn about our process, get in touch or browse our portfolio. And be sure to follow us @ziondevelopmentsllc for more behind-the-scenes looks at our upcoming projects in the DMV.
Thoughtfully written insights from the world of custom homes, timeless design, and the Zion process.
