Project Overview
Nestled in DC’s vibrant Near Northeast neighborhood—just north of the bustling H Street corridor and close to Union Market—this renovation and third-floor addition reconfigure an existing townhouse into a two-unit residence: a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment at the basement level, and a spacious upper unit with four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and a private roof terrace. The design approach prioritized spatial efficiency, increased natural light, and massing that responds sensitively to the surrounding context and traditional urban fabric of Washington, DC.
Architecture
Washington, DC’s historic townhouses are an essential part of the city’s urban character, and this Northeast property is no exception with its ornate brick façade. The client’s program called for increased livable space and the addition of a separate basement unit. A third-floor addition—or “pop-up”—was necessary to meet these needs.
Pop-ups present a unique challenge: adding square footage to meet contemporary standards while preserving the character of the townhouse and the rhythm of the streetscape. To address this, the new volume was set back from the front façade to minimize its visibility from the street. This setback also allowed for a private terrace off the primary bedroom. At the rear, the new level includes a home office with a balcony and stair access to a roof deck, offering extended outdoor space and unobstructed views of Washington, DC.
