The Veiled House - Amorim Cork Facade - Washington, DC

EcoSupply was thrilled to collaborate with Jonathan Kuhn on this innovative project in DC's Park View neighborhood, providing Amorim Cork Facade as a key material in the transformation of a two-story, single-family row house into a modern, sustainable two-family, three-story flat. This project not only reflects a commitment to sustainable design but also showcases the versatility and aesthetic appeal of cork.

The renovation involved adding a third floor and completely overhauling the existing structure, with Amorim Cork Facade playing a crucial role in both the third-floor addition and the rear facade. This eco-friendly material enhances the building’s insulation while offering a unique texture that will patina to a silver-toned finish over time, making it both a practical and visually striking choice.

Unit 2 is a two-bedroom apartment that occupies all three floors of the building. The first and second floors are positioned behind the front unit, while the third floor stretches from front to back, maximizing the use of space. This unit features a front-facing balcony, partially concealed by a metal screen, and bright, open interiors with large bedrooms. The Amorim Cork Facade cladding on the third floor and rear facade not only improves energy efficiency but also ensures a distinctive aesthetic as it ages. Additionally, this unit offers access to a private rear patio.

Preserving the original brick facade, the renovation introduced Amorim Cork Facade as a key material for the third-floor addition and rear facade. This eco-friendly, insulating material is not only a sustainable choice but also contributes to the building's visual appeal as it naturally ages to a silver-ish tone.

The project also incorporated salvaged metal screens from the 1960s-era West Elementary School, formerly located at 14th and Farragut Streets NW. These screens, stitched together and repurposed, provide texture, privacy, and a pop of color to the front facade, adding character to the otherwise understated brick row house. The school was replaced by a new structure honoring John Robert Lewis, a congressman and civil rights activist, making this a meaningful addition to the renovation.

"Architecturally speaking the cork provided a texture and depth not found in many other exterior cladding/siding materials. It allowed for a modern approach in the detailing in that it could directly abut window and door openings and not require trim/frame around it – a minimalist approach. Additionally, the material will patina over time expressing and emphasizing the use of a natural material. It has the added bonus of providing insulation value at the skin/face of the structure and very easily installed."

"Eco Supply was very responsive to our questions about and requests for product information, detailing, application, and specifications."

- Jonathan Kuhn, the Architect