Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington DC
TERRACE
TERRACE
CLOSET
GUEST BEDROOM
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MAIN BEDROOM BATHROOM
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COAT CL
LAUNDRY
ENTRANCE
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FURNACE CLOSET
GAS WATER HEATER CLOSET
KITCHEN CL BATHROOM
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(left) A waterfall wall, also a focal point, was created at the end of the existing bulkhead. LED lighting was installed behind it to create a floating effect. (this page) The ceiling wave feature maximizes the height in the hallway and complements the flow of the layout while respecting the existing ductwork, sprinklers and light fixtures
Installing an open shelving unit along the hallway helps separate the living area from the guest bedroom and bathroom. This screen provides visual interest and a place to display objects while still allowing transparency and openness.
The layout of the kitchen was reconfigured to provide a more logical flow in the kitchen and laundry room. A challenge was to have a functional kitchen that would also look nice and clean since it would be open into the living space. This was achieved by installing hidden appliances and pantry tall cabinets in the side wall and avoiding wall cabinets in the back wall.
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HOOD WALL OVEN
COOKTOP
SINK
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REFRIGERATOR
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M/W HOOD WALL OVEN
COOKTOP
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SINK
D/W
REFRIGERATOR
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Category Name = Residential interior under $250,000.00 Rhode Island Apartment 1. Explanation and Scope Complete renovation of a spacious 1700 square foot condominium in Logan Circle, Washington, DC. The condo is one of twenty-two units in the 1920’s Willison condominium building. The condo was updated in 2002 when the entire building was redeveloped by a developer. The client, who also has a home in the United Kingdom, purchased the unit in July 2011 as his Washington DC base. 2. and 3. Client’s needs and Functionality The client was keen to replace the standard, conventional finishes through-out the condo along with reconfiguring the kitchen for a better flow through the space along with adding architectural interest to what was a large open plan living space. The client was also looking for more modern clean-line to the condo’s finishes. Key elements and outcomes: Open plan living, dining and kitchen: One of the great advantages of the condo is the open plan living space with a bank of south-facing windows overlooking the foliage of Rhode Island Ave NW. The challenge was to maintain this while defining the space without creating partitions or closing in space. The client was also keen to maintain the open feel of the condo though define the ‘hallway’ space at the back of the open plan where the bedrooms, guest closet and bathroom are accessed off the main room. The unit also had a number of awkward bulkheads at ceiling height to hide pipes, etc and in some cases where hollow. This objective was achieved by: a.
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Installing an open shelving unit along the hallway to separate the dining area from the guest closet and guest bathroom. The design of the shelving unit provides visual interest while maintaining an open view on either side. An architectural feature (the Wave) was added to the ceiling to define the hallway and also cover the awkward bulkheads along that space. It provides a ‘flow’ to the space without taking away from the other perspectives. Lighting: the previous ‘sea’ of drop lighting across the open plan ceiling was replaced by recessed lighting and wall sconces in a layout better designed to define each area and provided a more sophisticated ambiance to the condo.
4. 5. and 6. Form, Craftsmanship and Innovation Kitchen layout The existing kitchen had a conventional galley kitchen with island that required walking around the island to access the sink, appliances and laundry room. The layout of the kitchen was reconfigured to provide a more logical flow into the kitchen and laundry room. An added benefit is the new island provides dining space which looks towards the view outside rather then into the kitchen. The new kitchen design also
achieved the objective of a clean modern look. A more compact and stackable washer and dryer was installed for more use of space in the laundry room. Also a full-lite sliding door contributed to the flow and functionality. Master bedroom closets The existing layout had 6 separate closets which were inefficient in terms of space use and also were not aesthetically pleasing. The new design improved the storage space and look of the room, including a wall of glass doors which provide better access to the closet space and fit with the more contemporary design objective; and a dressing room again with better use of storage space including built in drawers. The overall effect was not only more efficient but provide a sense of greater space. Bathrooms Both bathrooms were reconfigured to provide a better use of the respective spaces and then finished with a more contemporary design. ‘Clean-lines’: The doors, baseboards, window sills were all replaced or modified to provide a simpler, more contemporary look to the condo. Some commercial air registers and returns where installed for a crisper finish. Illumination. The client had expressed he didn’t like recessed lights. There was also almost no space above the ceiling to install recessed lights. The solution was to install small fixtures in a well thought design layout. Designated areas had light and some other had shadows, all adjustable according to the clients lifestyle. He could regulate lights according to use and mood desired by dimmers. The client was for the first time in his experience, very satisfied with a recessed light layout. 7. 8. 9. Obstacles, constrains and challenges. Creative solutions to challenges. Big bulkhead in main hallway. The ceiling wave feature maximizes the height in the hallway and complements the flow of the layout while respecting the existing ductwork, sprinklers and light fixtures. A waterfall wall, also a focal point, was created at the end of the existing bulkhead. LED lighting was installed behind it to create a floating effect. Kitchen openness, enjoyable look and functionality. The layout of the kitchen was reconfigured to provide a more logical flow in the kitchen and laundry room. A task was to have a functional kitchen that would also look nice and clean since it would be open into the living space. This was achieved by installing hidden appliances and pantry tall cabinets in the side wall and avoiding wall cabinets in the back wall. Separation between public and more intimate spaces. Installing an open shelving unit along the hallway helps separate the living area from the guest bedroom and bathroom. This screen provides visual interest and a place to display objects while still allowing transparency and openness. 10. Overall results of the project The client and designers were very satisfied with the new modern and clean design and finishes. The reconfiguration of the space allowed a very much improved flow and functionality improving substantially the client’s lifestyle. The condo refurbishment was completed within schedule and with only a 1.5% increase on the original budget. The increase reflected agreed changes with the client.