The Residential Complex is well-connected with D.C.’s top restaurants and can be seen as one of the gates to the Capital Riverfront neighborhood. The building's typology and shape allow for the possibility to have an efficient layout. As a result of the half-open courtyard, an abundance of daylight can be received on both sides of the building, opening up the possibility to create a double-loaded corridor.
The courtyard functions as the building’s centre point and welcomes communal amenities. On the ground floor, a large retail plinth facilitates the commercial spaces. The terraces that arise from stepping down the volume provide a lively and lush green landscape.
Besides creating a green landmark near the metro station, the landscape delivers a healthier living environment for the residents, creates pleasant private and communal outdoor spaces, and is a keystone for the neighbourhood’s ecological network. The spiral shape of the stepped volume gives the building an unambiguous appearance and creates unique qualities for the units.
Based on our biophilic approach we propose a collection of materials that establish a natural feeling, and reference to nature in a subtle but strong way. For the facade material, a glazed tile is proposed that represents the natural atmosphere the building aims to express. By introducing wood in different ways as a supportive material, the overall appearance of the building seamlessly aligns with the human sense and a desire to be connected to nature.