A Modern Revival at Washington’s Iconic Watergate Complex
The Watergate Complex in Washington, D.C. is a site steeped in historical significance, primarily known for the scandal that led to President Richard Nixon’s resignation. However, aside from its political legacy, the Watergate is also a remarkable example of modernist architecture. Designed in the 1960s by the Italian architect Luigi Moretti, the building features distinctive curves, expansive terraces, and an innovative design approach, setting it apart as a pioneering residential structure in the U.S. capital. Highlighting its architectural importance, the recent unveiling of the Watergate Pied-à-Terre by Nicholas Potts Studio offers a fresh perspective on this architectural treasure.
Perched atop one of the Watergate’s curved towers, this 3,000-square-foot apartment is crafted from the merger of two previously separate units. Architect Nicholas Potts, acclaimed for his bold yet nuanced interior designs, teamed up with stylist Tessa Watson and the construction firm BOWA to transform the space into a sophisticated pied-à-terre. This luxurious dwelling not only respects the original modernist ethos of the building but also introduces a contemporary vitality.
Potts saw this project as a chance to remove layers of incompatible renovations that had obscured the building’s modernist charm over the years. The Watergate had seen various remodeling efforts that did not align with its character, from faux-colonial embellishments to standard commercial finishes and disjointed room layouts. The redesign focused on stripping back these elements to celebrate the building’s inherent features such as its flowing lines, generous spaces, and a color palette reminiscent of its era.
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The apartment’s redesign was centered around creating open, fluid spaces, leveraging axial sightlines and spacious proportions that enhance movement and social interaction. This reconfiguration not only revitalized the space’s functionality but also restored the architectural intent of the Watergate, reflecting a grand yet inviting ambiance.
The renovation pays meticulous attention to detail and exudes elegance throughout. Walls are adorned with the exotic crotch-cut Okoume wood paneling, enveloping the environment in a warm and inviting hue. The floors are laid with basketweave travertine, establishing a tactile, rhythmic base, while a backlit translucent onyx wall adds a dramatic, glowing feature to the space.
Attention to detail is evident in the custom-designed doors and hardware by renowned craftsmen P.E. Guerin, which underscore the apartment’s luxurious feel. Decorative accents such as Verde Antigua marble, hand-patinated metals, and gold leaf detailing contribute to a rich, textured late-modern aesthetic that is lavish rather than minimalist.
To outfit the apartment, Potts and Watson sourced pieces from leading international design galleries, creating a curated collection that is both timeless and distinctly contemporary. Furnishings from The Future Perfect, Gallery Morentz, and Studio TwentySeven are strategically placed alongside vintage pieces like the 1970s Leola ceiling fixtures by Sciolari, weaving together a narrative that spans several decades.
The residence is a homage to various architectural influences, from Mies van der Rohe to the Viennese Secession, evident in its structural lines, material selections, and symmetrical layout. Yet, the apartment remains firmly rooted in the present, presenting a seamless amalgamation of different eras through a confidently modern lens.
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