Canal Residence by Kor Architects

Houses

Front view look of the modern type house.

Location: Washington
Area: 4,150 sq ft
Photography: Jeff Beck

About Studio

When a house speaks to us, we call it a home. When a job speaks to us, we call it a passion. At Kor, we pride ourselves on listening—to the materials, to the environment, to the people who will live in the homes we create. That’s why we work at the human scale, embracing collaboration and deep focus, appreciating the challenges and joys in every project.

Through communication, inspiration, and sheer tenacity we imbue every home with a unique and compelling spirit. While our designs embody decades of collective expertise, we deliver something greater: spaces that speak to our clients’ most authentic selves.

Another area of the home with views of the environment and modern architecture.
Another area of the home with views of the environment and modern architecture.
Supported by white internal walls and dark concrete shapes.
Supported by white internal walls and dark concrete shapes.
The living area contains carpeting, a glass wall, a high ceiling, and a fireplace that adds to the ambiance of coziness.
The living area contains carpeting, a glass wall, a high ceiling, and a fireplace that adds to the ambiance of coziness.
The eating space enhances the interior design, and the wall painting adds extra artistic flair.
The eating space enhances the interior design, and the wall painting adds extra artistic flair.
The kitchen has a dark color scheme and is furnished with full sets and a wine rack.
The kitchen has a dark color scheme and is furnished with full sets and a wine rack.
A home office in a favorable location with a glass wall that allows for outdoor views.
A home office in a favorable location with a glass wall that allows for outdoor views.
The room is furnished with a carpet, a single chair, a tiny table, long drapes, and a bookshelf.
The room is furnished with a carpet, a single chair, a tiny table, long drapes, and a bookshelf.
A picture of a bathroom with a good layout and all the necessary items.
A picture of a bathroom with a good layout and all the necessary items.

A distinctively modern home designed to ensure privacy while embracing views of the water. Anchored by black concrete forms, the home presents a solid front to the street, but the building envelope dissolves into large expanses of glass at the waterside, revealing generous gathering spaces customized for entertaining friends and hosting extended family.

Public and private spaces within the home are demarcated by material: stucco and blackened steel framing for gathering spaces and panel siding and light-colored interior walls for more intimate spaces. A deck expands to the waterway and grants boat access to the man-made canal at the edge of the lot.

This project began as a teardown and rebuild for clients whose children had left for college and who were planning on enjoying an empty nest in the near term and extended family gatherings in the long term.

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