A penthouse apartment in northwest Washington, D.C., has been thoughtfully reimagined by Colleen Healey Architecture, transforming a mid-century residential unit into a light-filled, contemporary home while respecting the building’s historic character.
The apartment is located in a six-storey building constructed in 1965 and later featured in Best Addresses: A Century of Washington’s Distinguished Apartment Houses. When the owner—an existing client of Colleen Healey, AIA—acquired the 1,500-square-foot penthouse, the brief was clear: modernise the interiors while improving accessibility, comfort, and long-term livability.
Reinterpreting the Atrium
One of the apartment’s defining features was a private, glass-enclosed courtyard atrium positioned near the entry. While architecturally distinctive, the atrium created visual obstructions, demanded ongoing maintenance, and compromised energy efficiency. Rather than eliminate it entirely, Healey adopted a strategy of erasure and reinterpretation.
Structural columns were carefully integrated into new wall elements and partitions, avoiding overt references to the former atrium while maintaining structural integrity. The ceiling opening was preserved and transformed into a sculptural skylight structure with clerestory glazing, allowing abundant daylight to filter into the heart of the apartment without impacting neighbouring units.
The resulting skylight composition delivers a dramatic spatial experience—arguably as compelling as the original atrium—while aligning with contemporary performance standards.
Optimising the Floor Plan
With the atrium removed, the layout was rebalanced to prioritise daily living. The living room was repositioned beneath the skylight, creating a central gathering space between the kitchen and dining area. This reconfiguration freed perimeter space for a dedicated office adjacent to an existing library.
In the primary bathroom, spatial efficiency was improved by removing a second vanity and absorbing a former powder room, reflecting modern expectations for larger, more comfortable bathrooms.
Lighting upgrades were achieved without lowering ceiling heights by routing wiring through discreet wall chases and ceiling reveals, preserving the apartment’s original proportions.
Material Palette and Storage Strategy
A restrained, neutral palette forms the backdrop for the owner’s Modern furniture and art collection. Bleached white oak flooring was carefully matched with custom millwork and floating shelves to create visual continuity throughout the living areas.
Storage was a key priority, addressed through a balance of open shelving and closed cabinetry to prevent visual clutter. Clean-lined millwork is softened by leather pulls and handles, adding tactile contrast and warmth.
Mirrors in circulation spaces and bathrooms further enhance the sense of openness, amplifying light and spatial depth.
Design Philosophy
Completed in late 2023, the renovation reflects Colleen Healey Architecture’s sensitivity to existing buildings and long-term stewardship.
As Healey notes, the project embraces the idea that architects are temporary caretakers—responsible for adapting spaces thoughtfully while preserving their integrity for future generations.
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