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Drees Homes WDC Skye model awarded for best design and architecture at the NVBIA 2026 Great American Living Awards

Skye Model Home Wins Design and Architecture Award in Northern Virginia

Posted on Oct 21, 2026 by dreeshomes

Drees Homes Washington, D.C. earned top honors at the 2026 Great American Living Awards, hosted by the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA).


The Skye, a standout model home at Goose Creek Village in Ashburn, VA,
won Best Design and Architecture – Attached Home Product in the $700,000 to $849,999 category, distinguishing itself among a field of new construction townhome and condominium offerings in one of the nation’s most competitive housing markets.


The recognition is especially meaningful in the Washington, D.C., area, where the popular “2-over-2” home design has become a dominant product type. With numerous builders offering similar concepts, industry judges evaluated homes across the market and selected the Skye as the winner, recognizing its thoughtful design, functionality and innovative features. This recognition speaks to Drees' commitment to understanding what today’s buyers want.



Brick new construction townhome with rooftop patio

The Skye townhome-style condo exterior (left unit)

Designed around how people live


The Skye at Goose Creek Village is a townhome-style condo that combines contemporary architecture with versatile living spaces that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Its open-concept main level seamlessly connects the dining room, family room and kitchen, creating a natural gathering space for entertaining and family time. A large kitchen island, abundant cabinetry and an oversized walk-in pantry provide the feel and functionality often associated with much larger single-family homes.



New construction townhome open floor plan kitchen, dining, and family room

Open floor plan kitchen, dining and family room


Beyond its striking design, the Skye was shaped by direct feedback from homebuyers.


“Customers told us they wanted more storage, and we listened,” said Marketing Coordinator Sandra Oviedo.


That feedback inspired the inclusion of storage solutions throughout the home, from generous interior storage areas to a convenient outdoor storage closet located on the rear deck. The home’s expansive walk-in pantry has become one of its most talked-about features, offering so much space that many visitors describe it as an additional room.



New townhome kitchen with dark wood cabinets and island

Kitchen with spacious island and walk-in pantry with hidden cabinet doors

New construction townhome family room with built in shelves and dark wood cabinets

Family room with built-in storage

Elevating outdoor living


Another feature that set the Skye floor plan apart is its innovative rooftop terrace.


Drees recognized a common concern among buyers considering rooftop outdoor spaces: excessive summer heat often limited how frequently they could be used. In response, the Skye includes a partially covered rooftop terrace, a feature that is uncommon among competing homes in the market.

 

The covered section provides shade and comfort, allowing homeowners to enjoy their outdoor living space during more seasons of the year while still taking advantage of fresh air, skyline views and opportunities for entertaining.



New construction townhome rooftop terrace with firepit
New construction townhome rooftop terrace

Rooftop terrace with covered section

A new standard for attached-home living


The Skye’s award-winning design also features a second outdoor living area adjacent to the main floor, flexible living spaces throughout the home and a fourth-level retreat that includes the primary suite, two additional bedrooms, a laundry room and a versatile loft space.


Together, these elements create a home that balances style, comfort and practicality, proving that townhome and condo living doesn’t require compromise.



New construction townhome covered porch with fireplace

Second outdoor living area with outdoor storage closet

New townhome loft pocket office with hardwood floor

Flexible loft space, styled as pocket office with built-in desk and storage


The recognition of the Skye as the market’s best-designed attached-home product reflects Drees Homes’ commitment to innovation and customer-driven design. By listening to homebuyers and thoughtfully incorporating their feedback, the company has created a home that rises above the competition and delivers the features today’s homeowners value most.


For homebuyers seeking a modern home with abundant storage, exceptional entertaining spaces and innovative outdoor living, the award-winning Skye home design at Goose Creek Village offers a design that’s truly in a class of its own.