2106 Vermont Ave NW, Washington DC
The imperative for resilient housing concepts has never been greater. The three challenges of unprecedented urban population growth, drastically increasing climate change impacts and the disturbing sociocultural trends of divisiveness, tribalism and social isolation, are exposing the ineptitude of traditional housing solutions. Coliving, on the other hand, has the potential to make a difference with its inherent sustainability and its self-fulfilling reliance on community in the biggest sense. 2106 Vermont Ave NW is the creation of a design prototype for urban coliving providing 9 residential units, 51 bedrooms, unit and building congregation spaces, and a retail space to link it to the neighborhood.
The main facade engages Vermont Avenue with its massing as well as the implementation of brick detailing paired with wood paneling. The fenestration is strategically placed to optimize daylighting and minimize heat gain, contributing to the energy efficiency of the units.
The project provides opportunities for the blending of indoor and outdoor space both within and beyond the coliving units. The rooftop amenity space promotes and encourages community, while the private bedroom and shared unit balconies allow for a place of solace; each contributing to the mental wellness of the occupants.
The court in the center of the building allows for additional light and air to enter the units and carves out additional space for unit balconies, affording occupants with a more secluded experience removed from the street and alley.
Owner: Outlier
Contractor: Harbor Builders
Photographer: Jessica Marcotte