Penthouse with large double height space, anchored at the corner with expansive two-story walls of glass

Architects: Robert M. Gurney
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Year: 2016
Area: 2.500 ft²/ 232 m²
Photo courtesy: Anice Hoachlander
Description:

“The Metropole is a sleek, new, urban condo development positioned on a prominent corner in the Logan Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC. The seven-story building comprises 90 residences.

The starting point for this project is a corner unit penthouse with walls of windows along a southern and western exposure. The space as inherited was raw and included a large double height space, anchored at the corner with expansive two-story walls of glass. These windows afford generous city views, including a defined view toward the Washington Monument.

The design strategy employs part of the two story space to be used for a bedroom and bathroom while providing access to two rooftop spaces. These spaces are located away from the double height window wall. A large pocketing door in the bedroom provides views through the space below and south toward the Washington Monument. As designed, the stair location and arrangement of spaces allow public access to the larger rooftop terrace, while the smaller terrace becomes privately accessible from the bedroom.

This project is organized around the two story corner window walls. A fireplace is suspended from the ceiling and floats in the space. A cantilevered glass platform extends from the bedroom and extends into the volume. Light fixtures that change color animate the space. The goal was to provide a dynamic space that anchored the unit while not distracting from the city views beyond.”