Penthouse with a Feature Stair

This Penthouse apartment in Bethesda previously had a long narrow plan with a dark wooden stair that divided the entry from the expansive view through the large windows in the living room. The original living area was subdivided to achieve a third bedroom.

Our solution was to replace the current enclosed stair with an open, all glass stair that linked the Entry Hall to the Living Area. A dining space replaced the third bedroom, creating an open plan connecting the kitchen, living and dining areas. This allows the light from the large windows to cascade down the length of the apartment brightening the Front Entry Hall. A Venetian plaster wall anchors the new stair and LED lights illuminate each glass tread. The stair connects the main living space to an upper level office and roof terrace for entertaining, complete with weather-proof TV and an outdoor fireplace. 

Custom designed built-in furniture pieces, incorporating anigre and walnut wood elements, echo the building's angular geometry. The ceilings were punctuated with light to brighten the interior and provide illumination of the clients art, seamlessly controlled by the home's automation system. The once dark narrow plan was transformed into a light filled open plan with a view of the city skyline.

Project team includes:

• Contractor: Alliance Builders, LLC
• Photography: © Hoachlander Davis Photography LLC