PROJECT  McKay-Scheer Studio

ARCHITECT  Hill & Hurtt Architects

LOCATION  Washington, District of Columbia, US​

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  7/1/2024

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  Eric Hurtt, AIA Principal & Bradley Kaufman, AIA Project Architect
OWNER/CLIENT  Lisa Scheer and Hugh McKay
CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  Design/Build Inc. / Dave Flumer (Design/Build Inc. is now retired)
PHOTOGRAPHER  Frazier Springfield
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
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STRUCTURAL ENGINEER  Ehlert-Bryan / Wayne Bryan
MECHANICAL ENGINEER  Capitol Engineering Group
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER  Capitol Engineering Group
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT  
After decades of use as a rental apartment with small studio and storage space, this adaptive reuse project transforms an early 20th century commercial/light industrial building in a historic neighborhood into a modern home, maintaining the attached industrial scale garage studio to create a live/work environment for the artist owners.

Developing interior spaces with ample natural light and direct visual connections to the exterior which maintain privacy was a critical component of the design. By organizing utility and storage along the party wall, the principal living spaces were able to be located along the two exterior walls. The front elevation, with its glass block filled masonry openings, was protected as a contributing resource within the Mount Vernon Triangle historic district and was not changed. The glass block, which had replaced original plate-glass display windows facing the street, provides privacy while allowing natural light for the front facing bedroom. The longer, side elevation was thoughtfully composed with new, large masonry openings and groupings of windows responsive to the new living room, bedroom, and kitchen. The narrow muntin profile of the windows echo the steel windows typical of light industrial buildings of the early to mid 20th century, a nod to the building’s origin.

A minimal palette and spare detailing were used throughout the interiors. Naturally finished white oak floors and white walls with flush baseboards create a neutral palette for the display of art. A white oak bar counter, manufactured by a local mill shop which salvages wood from urban trees, distinguishes the open kitchen from the living room. The copper skirt below the counter is material repurposed from a decommissioned and disassembled sculpture. A difference in the interior floor levels which originally separated the front third of the building from the back was maintained, establishing a separate zone for the Bedroom.

An asphalt drive along the north side was replaced with permeable pavers and planting beds, creating an entry courtyard and urban garden. The courtyard is an urban oasis, providing privacy, tranquility, and ample light in the heart of Washington, DC. A steel and wire trellis structure designed and fabricated by the owners supports Jessamine, providing a verdant backdrop to showcase their bronze sculptures and softening the adjacent building’s party wall.

JURY COMMENTS (If applicable)

A tender act of reuse, the studio holds onto fragments of its industrial past while becoming an intimate ground for creativity and continuity.

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. McKay-Scheer Studio, Frazier Springfield
2. New masonry openings in courtyard, Frazier Springfield
3. Living Room Looking Towards Courtyard & Studio, Frazier Springfield
4. Living Room & Kitchen Looking Towards Entry and Courtyard, Frazier Springfield
5. Living Room Looking Towards Kitchen, Frazier Springfield
6. Living Room & Kitchen Looking Towards Entry and Courtyard, Frazier Springfield
7. Bedroom with New Windows & Historic Glass Block, Fraizer Springfield
8. Restored Front Facade, Frazier Springfield