The Rincon Bates House by Studio27 Architecture
Studio27 Architecture have completed the Rincon Bates House in Capitol Hill, Washington DC.
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The Rincon Bates House by Studio27 Architecture
The R|B House is a re-conceptualization of an end row house unit in Capitol Hill, Washington DC. The project furthers a continuing exploration in sustainable urban residential design.
The existing two-story structure was originally built in 1906 and represents the archetype of single family dwelling units in the city. The house had been renovated in the early 1970’s, but the interior space remained a series of compartmentalized programmed rooms reminiscent of more traditional lifestyles.
The owners approached Studio 27 with an open ended request, the only stipulations being a re-configuration of the existing circulation pattern and thoughtful consideration for the ecological impact of the project. The scope of work evolved through an investigation of sectional manipulations focusing on apertures, daylight and natural ventilation.
The architects’ strategy displaced the dark, musty interior with a sense of openness, both in plan and section, to create a more implicit series of relationships between traditionally separated hierarchical programs. Studio 27 removed a section of the second level floor joists to carve a void through the middle of the house over the dining room, enabling shared light between all spaces, and introduced operable skylights to create a per formative stack effect to control ventilation. The second floor is divided into two bedroom suites, connected by a tubular steel and glass bridge that further contrasts with the heaviness of the existing masonry. Energy and water consumption are additionally minimized through the use of tank less gas-powered water heaters, new low E glass windows and doors, bio-based insulation, low-flow plumbing fixtures and dual flush wall hung toilets, and all interior finishes are domestically resourced recycled and formaldehyde-free to improve indoor air quality.
The ’Open’ House represents the non-traditional urban sustainable lifestyle.
Visit Studio27 Architecture’s website – here.
Photography by Hoachlander Davis Photography
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Zero34 on 19 Jul 2010 at 11:35 am #
perfectly executed! My only question is why wasn’t the lower level at the back touched up? the bars in the windows make it look like a dungeon is sitting below this beautifully redesigned home.
quite confusing.
Cristina on 19 Jul 2010 at 1:56 pm #
Beautiful. Love the kitchen and dining area.
ONYX on 19 Jul 2010 at 2:37 pm #
I like the juxtaposition of architectural styles between the Victorian facade and the contemporary/modernist remodel. I think this project effectively shows a respect for the existing neighborhood by keeping the original facade in place and thus maintaining the visual harmony from a street perspective. I very much like the openness of the redesign. It removes the heavy visual oppressiveness that can result from 1970′s and Victorian styles. I think this was well executed. The practical implementation of resource-conservative utilities and fixtures was sensibly thought out, especially the inclusion of dual flush wall hung low flow toilets. In my opinion, all low flow toilets should be dual flush for more efficient water usage.
Lance on 19 Jul 2010 at 5:16 pm #
I agree with Cristina. This space has a wonderful kitchen and living area. The bathroom has a tad too much concrete/grey going on, the sink would have been just enough. The abundance of light and uncluttered design help to make the space feel much bigger than it’s actual footprint as well. Keeping the facade keeps the house period and playful, and within neighborhood covenants as well I’m sure. I love the walkway with it’s translucent panels as well. Just a wonderful job all around.
jp vieyra on 19 Jul 2010 at 9:23 pm #
Muy buen trabajo.
Up Carl on 19 Jul 2010 at 9:58 pm #
I must say this project moved myself! nice interior design, distribution, backyard, light, and colors. As you wrote: represents the non-traditional urban sustainable lifestyle. Sweet, thx
Flo Deau on 19 Jul 2010 at 11:49 pm #
Really like the design + materials of the built-in furniture in the kitchen
TW on 20 Jul 2010 at 5:16 am #
Lovely project and great contrast of old and new.
The use of light is suberbly thought out – I wish more architects would design like this.
RC Bates on 20 Jul 2010 at 7:27 am #
Zero34The basement is a separate unit and was not changed in this project. I agree that the bars on the doors and windows downstairs are inconsistent (front and back). Sadly, as much as this neighborhood has changed, bars are still needed on the lower windows. Repainting them to match the new railing and stairs would make them stand out even more.LanceMy late grandfather was a concrete contractor which is partially why we decided to use concrete even though its green credentials are debatable. You see the window reflected in the bathroom mirror. With the window and our personal belongings in the bathroom it doesn’t look quite as monotone in real life as it does in these photos, but ultimately that is a personal preference. The decision to maintain the facade was ours, as we are just outside the historic district. there are indications of the modern design, namely the door, the LED lighting fixture over the door, and the stainless steel mailboxes (not visible on the wall under the front stairs).I should point out that although the plans called for twin tankless water heaters, the gas company could not provide sufficient pressure for two water heaters as well as the boiler and clothes dryer. As a result, we installed solar water heating panels on the roof to provide domestic hot water.
Jus on 20 Jul 2010 at 6:43 pm #
I agree with Onyx. I like how it maintains harmony with the existing architectures. The greatest thing about this piece is the open design and smooth, simple shapes. Honestly a little boring imo, but solid.
Lance on 20 Jul 2010 at 7:37 pm #
Ah, going for the jugular are we RC?
Of course, there was no disrespect or my usual snarky commentary, but rather a personal preference stated. I absolutely love the sink and think it would have been the one thing in the room that would have been an homage to your late grandfather as it is simply perfect. But again, personal preference, don’t ask me to post photos of our loft we bought and are now renting for various reasons, as it is completely concrete. Your grandfather would be proud.
But overall, your home is amazing and one I would not think twice about buying if it ever came up for sale… and if we lived in DC.
zachary alan on 21 Jul 2010 at 7:40 am #
the concrete sink is pretty poor quality in the bathroom. for good ones check out pureconcretestudio.com or goredesignco.com
they make concrete look refined.