The
funky commercial character of U Street provided inspiration for this
light, open, studio office addition.A metal
box perched on top of a painted CMU base provides loft space for a
community development group in Northwest Washington DC. The rear elevation
combines sunscreens, translucent panels, and operable windows to
provide plenty of daylight to the interior while controlling
glare and heat gain. Windows on the side are composed to give a
lively face to the alley. Corrugated metal is installed over stud framing
for a simple, durable exterior. Inside, open metal stairs and
exposed laminated wood joists contribute to the loft-like feeling.
This aesthetic celebrates resource efficiency by minimizing additional
finishes like ceilings and carpet and reduces the use of wood. The
building was designed to take advantage of natural air flows for energy
efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation. Eco-friendly finishes
include certified wood, linoleum floors, and low-VOC paints and
sealers. Design by Rick Schneider, Greg Dumont, and the team at inscape.