Apartment 502

Project Details

Project Description

The iconic 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 premier addresses. This 3,400 square foot corner unit is located on the fifth floor of the Watergate West Building. The apartment is comprised of two units that had previously been combined with minimal alterations. Spaces remained compartmentalized with ceiling heights typically 8’-4” and lower. Offsetting these less than optimal spatial conditions are views into the treetops and toward the Potomac River and the landmark Francis Scott Key Bridge. The interior was gutted to essential structure and plumbing, electrical and mechanical infrastructure. Flooring was removed to the concrete slab. The space was reconfigured with a formal clarity to provide open living spaces with river view orientation. Planar walls and millwork elements combine to further organize and define spaces. A curving volume that is centrally located is designed in response to plumbing and electrical infrastructure that could not be moved. The material palette is intended to be subtle and refined. Detailing is minimal and crisp. Rift-sawn white oak flooring becomes the stage for similar white oak cabinetry and wall paneling. White lacquered and dark stained oak cabinetry and millwork complete the palette. Forms and textures serve to both unify and diversify spatial qualities. In this project the architecture is intended to enrich the spatial qualities and provide a framework for the views, while minimizing the presence of the existing low ceiling heights.