Washington DC, United States
Robert Gurney Architect
Post By:Kitticoon Poopong
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
The
Watergate complex, in Washington DC consists of five buildings sited on ten acres overlooking the
Potomac River and was built between 1963 and 1972. Designed by Italian Architect
Luigi Moretti, the Watergate is considered one of Washington’s most desirable addresses.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
This 1,250 square foot unit is located on the fourteenth floor and was never previously renovated. Compartmentalized spaces with ceiling heights less than 8’-4” high presented the perception of a low horizontal environment. Offsetting these less than optimal existing conditions are spectacular views along the Potomac River looking toward the landmark
Francis Scott Key Bridge.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
The interior was gutted to essential structure and plumbing, electrical and mechanical infrastructure. Flooring was removed to the
concrete slab. In reference to the client’s program and in deference to the view, the space was reconfigured with a formal clarity to provide open living spaces with river view orientation. An integral plastered wall initiated near the entry organizes the apartment and angles to direct views along the river and toward the Key Bridge. Planar walls and cabinetry elements combine with clear and translucent glass to further organize and define spaces.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
An extended material palette is intended to be subtle and refined. Detailing is minimal and crisp. White terrazzo flooring becomes the stage for Walnut wall paneling, white ash millwork, luminous glass walls, integral charcoal plaster, aluminum and black concrete. Strips of stainless steel are inset into the white terrazzo to reinforce established geometries and floating ceiling planes. Forms and textures serve to both unify and diversify spatial qualities.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
In this project the architecture is intended to provide a framework for the furnishings and the view while minimizing the sense of the pre-existing low, horizontal environment.
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
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| Photo © Courtesy of Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer |
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| site plan--drawing Courtesy of Robert Gurney Architect |
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| building plan--drawing Courtesy of Robert Gurney Architect |
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| floor plan (before)--drawing Courtesy of Robert Gurney Architect |
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| floor plan (after)--drawing Courtesy of Robert Gurney Architect |
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| axon--drawing Courtesy of Robert Gurney Architect |
The people
Architects: Robert Gurney Architect
Location: Washington DC, United States
Project Architect: Sarah Mailhot
Contractor: Added Dimensions
Interiors: Baron Gurney Interiors
Engineer: D. Anthony Beale LLC
Photographs: Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer
