capitol hill residence

Cut out a slice of the ground below your feet and what will you find?  

Soil layers provided inspiration for a new fence to contain this small townhouse garden. The layered stone, brick, and blackened steel wall provides a rich backdrop to the newly renovated first floor of the 1909 Capitol Hill townhouse. 

Moody Graham worked closely with the project architect to ensure the house and garden are  interconnected. Plants were welcomed inside and out. 

A second theme of black locust weaves through the project in various forms. The deck, fence, and gate are all constructed from black locust lumber; the stair handrail is a black locust branch that was steamed and straightened; and the focal tree is a black locust cultivated variety called Purple Robe.  Black locust was selected for it's strength, rot resistance, durability, beauty, and long term sustainability. 

Photos by Allen Russ

Garden Concept Sketch

Soil Horizons Diagram

                                                   Wall Section Detail

Type

Living

Project Architect

Lawlor Architects

General Contractor

Oldetowne (Landscape), Impact (Building)

Primary Material Palette

reclaimed bluestone, blackened steel, black locust wood, brick, granite gravel                       

Time Span

2018

Location

Washington, DC

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