- Project: Capital House
- Architect: Olson Kundig Architects
- Location: United States, Washington
- Year: 2020
- Area: 7146 m2
- Photography: Nic Lehoux
A Residence That Echoes the Grandeur of Classic Monuments
Inspired by classical architectural icons like the Lincoln Memorial, Capital House by Olson Kundig is a striking contemporary home that merges monumentality with intimacy. Situated in Washington, this expansive 76,908-square-foot residence embodies timeless sophistication through its stately limestone cladding, sculptural vaulted roof, and neutral palette of stone, bronze, and concrete.
The residence was commissioned by a client who envisioned a home that is both regal and understated, a personal retreat that references monumental public architecture while offering warmth and privacy. With that vision in mind, Olson Kundig created a two-story home that balances classical inspiration with modern simplicity.
A Composition of Elegance, Scale, and Materiality
Capital House’s design is guided by principles of scale and proportion. The lower level is wrapped in smooth limestone slabs, grounding the home with weight and permanence. The upper level is composed of floor-to-ceiling glazing, which softens the structure and introduces lightness. Capping the form is a gracefully curved roof, evoking classical vaults and drawing the eye skyward.
The C-shaped layout encloses a serene central courtyard, housing a bamboo garden and covered lap pool, fostering an atmosphere of reflection and repose. A glass and steel vestibule leads into the home, framed by an oak door with bronze inlays that signals both elegance and strength.
Monumental Interiors with Human Scale
Inside, the home’s organizing element is a dramatic central hallway lined with concrete columns, anchoring the layout while allowing rooms to function as intimate alcoves. To the left, doors and windows open onto the courtyard; to the right, the layout unfolds into a kitchen and office. The corridor culminates in the formal living and dining areas, where a stone fireplace and vaulted ceiling add grandeur to the living room, seamlessly connecting to the sky through expansive glazing.
The second floor is accessed via a bridge that leads to the master suite, which is open and airy, offering views across the courtyard and beyond. Additional bedrooms extend along the hall, each maintaining a connection to the home’s contemplative design ethos.
A Tribute to Justice and Art
Capital House is not only an architectural feat—it is also a celebration of social justice and civil rights history. One of the defining features of the interior is the integration of the owner’s art collection, which includes a sculptural portrait of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall by artist Scott Fife, created specifically for this home. This powerful piece underscores the project’s dedication to personal meaning and cultural resonance.
A Testament to Olson Kundig’s Design Philosophy
Capital House exemplifies Olson Kundig’s ability to design homes that are at once monumental and livable, timeless and forward-thinking. The use of enduring materials, the incorporation of artistic legacy, and the elegant response to classical forms demonstrate why Olson Kundig remains at the forefront of contemporary architecture.
