Narrow, but long – a townhouse designed by Robert M. Gurney

16 October 2011

Architect Robert M. Gurney has converted an industrial building over a century old in his home town of Washington into a residence complete with rooftop terrace. The building is a mere five meters wide, but is over 30 meters long and the home is therefore both narrow and very deep. It is located in the middle of an ensemble of old buildings in the American capital.

The old industrial building was very dark, and with its little windows there was not much daylight inside. In order to maximize incoming natural light, the architect has relied on large glass facades and skylights. Moreover, the floors were opened up by including a new stairwell that ensures additional light enters the various levels. The combination of reflecting steel wall panels in the upper floors, high ceilings and the way natural light bounces off the white walls makes the rooms seem higher than they actually are. The townhouse designed by Robert M. Gurney shows how living space can be reconfigured and meaningful arranged in an old building.

www.robertgurneyarchitect.com

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