Washington DC
This renovation received a 2005 Washingtonian/AIA DC Residential Design Award. In this renovation, a new master suite was added to the top of an existing rowhouse. The existing roof structure, which previously enclosed a low attic, was removed and replaced with new wood beams and rafters at a higher elevation, all of which is exposed on the interior. The new roof, which rises to approximately 13' at its highest point, is standing seam metal, and skylights were incorporated to bring in light from above, as this space has very little front exposure. The goal was to leave the floor plan as open as possible, utilizing glass screens (both translucent and transparent) as dividing elements between individual spaces. Full-height sliding doors were used throughout to reinforce the feeling of height and airiness, and the open-riser stair of wood and steel serves as a vertical "pin," connecting the new third floor to the existing first and second floors. The modern look of the master suite is tied together with the more traditional lower levels through the use of a similar palette of materials, and the continuous steel railing and structure which run vertically through all three floors, reinforcing the feeling of connection. A new rear deck was created on an existing lower roof, and we eliminated the feeling of separation between inside and out through the use of folding glass doors which, when open, allow a seamless flow between the two spaces. This is reinforced with the use of Finnish plywood as a wall sheathing running continuously from master suite to outdoor deck. This material is UV and water resistant, and will not fade on the exterior over time. Concrete pavers on the deck provide texture, while a steel railing recalls the interior steel railing. Modern chrome radiators from Europe were utilized so that the overall modern look would remain consistent, and bamboo flooring lightens and warms up the space.
This renovation received a 2005 Washingtonian/AIA DC Residential Design Award. In this renovation, a new master suite was added to the top of an existing rowhouse. The existing roof structure, which previously enclosed a low attic, was removed and replaced with new wood beams and rafters at a higher elevation, all of which is exposed on the interior. The new roof, which rises to approximately 13' at its highest point, is standing seam metal, and skylights were incorporated to bring in light from above, as this space has very little front exposure. The goal was to leave the floor plan as open as possible, utilizing glass screens (both translucent and transparent) as dividing elements between individual spaces. Full-height sliding doors were used throughout to reinforce the feeling of height and airiness, and the open-riser stair of wood and steel serves as a vertical "pin," connecting the new third floor to the existing first and second floors. The modern look of the master suite is tied together with the more traditional lower levels through the use of a similar palette of materials, and the continuous steel railing and structure which run vertically through all three floors, reinforcing the feeling of connection. A new rear deck was created on an existing lower roof, and we eliminated the feeling of separation between inside and out through the use of folding glass doors which, when open, allow a seamless flow between the two spaces. This is reinforced with the use of Finnish plywood as a wall sheathing running continuously from master suite to outdoor deck. This material is UV and water resistant, and will not fade on the exterior over time. Concrete pavers on the deck provide texture, while a steel railing recalls the interior steel railing. Modern chrome radiators from Europe were utilized so that the overall modern look would remain consistent, and bamboo flooring lightens and warms up the space.
