The living space (left), which centers on a gas fireplace, is separated
from the kitchen by a gumwood cabinet between columns. Glass
around the staircase allows for a glimpse of the second-level study.
The floors, fireplace hearth and staircase (above) are clad in marble
from Turkey and Italy.
F
our years is a long time to spend creating the perfect home,
but for Bruno Lassus, the design of his penthouse has been
well worth the wait. This bi-level apartment in historic
Georgetown is the antithesis of the traditional homes in
the neighborhood. White marble floors flow through open,
pared-down spaces illuminated by skylights and large windows.
The staircase connecting the two floors resembles a large piece of
abstract artwork assembled from blocks of marble.
“It looks simple, but it was complex to achieve,” says Lassus of
the Minimalist design. “There were technical and logistical challenges as well as the rules set by the condo board.” The Frenchborn homeowner, who works for 3M Cogent in biometric identification technology, bought the penthouse in 2005 for its location.
He enjoys running and biking on the nearby C & O Canal towpath,
and kayaking on the Potomac River a few blocks away. Balconies
off both levels of the apartment provide views of those waterways
and rooftops in the heart of Georgetown.
ARCHITECTURE: Christy Schlesinger, Schlesinger Associate Architects, Washington,
DC. CONTRACTOR: PETER C. SANDS, 22nd Street LLC, Arlington, Virginia.
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