We are proud to present the Corcoran House, a custom design by KUBE Architecture in Washington, DC.

This home resides in a historical neighborhood, with a classic 1890’s Victorian style, so the intention was to completely reshape the interior in modern fashion without changing the facade. Using only a fresh coat of paint on the exterior, the inside of the home was virtually gutted.

The first floor has an entirely open plan that flows toward the open glass back of the home. A cathedral ceiling from a 1980 renovation has been eliminated and load-bearing walls replaced by exposed steel girders. Under the main stairwell, an existing powder room was enlarged and concealed behind layers of panels, one of which is actually the door. Floors here are dark-stained bamboo, while LED lights in the ceiling provide a warm glow.

Throughout the house, materials are repeated, creating continuity. Certain surface textures of the kitchen and living room area reappear upstairs in the primary bath and office. A major element, the striated marble countertop on the kitchen island influenced the overall design with its timeless appearance. Large glass panels are another major element, lining the stairway and dividing the primary bedroom and office space upstairs, while the rear outer wall of the main floor is all glass for a view of the raised balcony.

The major theme here is a modern yet timeless feel, with natural materials arranged in exciting new ways. We hope this innovative design is as inspiring for you as it has been for us. Photography by Greg Powers Photography.

Overhead view of the upper deck, extending from the kitchen doorway onto the adjacent roof. This area features natural wood and sculpted metal, with bright sconce lighting all around.

View from inside kitchen over rooftop deck. Small metal bridge, railings, and patio furniture are seen through large glass entryway.

Kitchen features brushed metal appliances contrasting with alternately black and white cabinetry. Exposed metal I-beams are seen attached to small reveals of underlying brick work.

The dining area fills in the open space between kitchen and living room, with unique ringed chandelier over reflective dark tabletop. Bold white panels are seen next to staircase, concealing powder room.

Here’s the opposite angle of the shared space including living room, dining, and kitchen areas. Black staircase prominently contrasts with natural hardwood flooring and white walls and cabinetry. Light and dark leather seating surround mirrored glass coffee table.

This is a more direct shot of the living room, showcasing the bright natural wood tones on wall supporting mounted television, with gas fireplace built into metal and wood shelving. Dining area is seen in background, with leather furniture up close.

Living room includes floor to ceiling front bay windows, near front door, with hidden lighting strip on side wall, recessed ceiling lights, and wall mounted fireplace.

Upward facing view of black wood staircase, lit with hung chrome spherical chandeliers over entryway. Glass walls separate upstairs area.

Head-on view of staircase, highlighting black and white contrast, with exposed metal I-beam at top.

Second floor landing area, with glass safety wall and dark wood panelling and floor.

Primary bedroom features sliding, smoked glass entryway and striking use of light sources and color on wall details. Dark wood panelling, embedded colored lighting, hung cylindrical chandeliers, and a mirrored strip add texture and tone to wall above brown and white bed with matching white furniture.

View from doorway into bedroom, showcasing exposed original brick work, I-beams, and entry to primary bathroom.

Primary bathroom features all-glass shower, white countertops, red wood cabinetry, and dark wood floor extending to bath surround.

View from inside primary bath, to bedroom in background. Large mirrored expanse on two surfaces feature prominently over modern plumbing.

Office on second floor features gas fireplace with brick surround, white cabinetry echoing the kitchen, all-glass desk and huge floor to ceiling windows over its dark hardwood flooring.