Capital House by Olson Kundig: Monumental Modern Home in Washington

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Modern counterpoint house with large glass windows, surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees, showcasing minimalist architectural design and sustainable outdoor landscaping.

House Reflecting the Grandeur of Classical Monuments

Inspired by classical architectural icons such as the Lincoln Memorial, Capital House by Olson Kundig is a striking modern home that combines monumentality with intimacy. Located in Washington, this spacious 76,908 square foot house embodies temporal elegance through its majestic limestone cladding, sculptural roof vault, and neutral palette of stone, bronze, and concrete.

The house was commissioned by a client who envisioned a home that is simultaneously royal and humble, a personal sanctuary referencing monumental public architecture while maintaining warmth and privacy. To achieve this, Olson Kundig designed a two-story house that balances classical inspiration with modern simplicity.

Composition of Elegance, Scale, and Materiality

The design of Capital House is based on principles of scale and proportion. The lower level is wrapped in smooth limestone slabs, giving the house weight and strength. The upper level consists of floor-to-ceiling glass walls that soften the structure and add lightness. The top portion features a gracefully curved roof, reminiscent of classical vaults and drawing the eye upward.

The C-shaped layout encompasses a serene central courtyard featuring a bamboo garden and a covered pool, creating an atmosphere of contemplation and peace. The glass and steel vestibule leads inside the house, ending in a oak door with bronze inserts, symbolizing both elegance and strength.

Monumental Interiors with Human Scale

Inside, the house is organized around a central corridor clad in concrete columns, which holds the layout and allows rooms to function as intimate arches. Doors and windows on the left open to the courtyard; those on the right expand into a kitchen and office. The corridor ends in formal living and dining rooms, where a stone fireplace and vaulted ceiling add grandeur to the living room, connecting it to the sky through expansive glass windows.

The second floor is accessible via a bridge leading to a living room with bedroom, which is open and spacious, offering views of the courtyard and beyond. Additional bedrooms are located along the corridor, each maintaining a connection to the concept of the house as a place for reflection.

A Tribute to Rights and Art

Capital House is not only an architectural feat but also a celebration of social justice and civil rights history. One defining feature of the interior is the integration of the owner's art collection, including sculptural portrait work by artist Scott Fain, depicting Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, created specifically for this house. This powerful piece underscores the project's commitment to personal meaning and cultural resonance.

Proof of Olson Kundig's Design Philosophy

Capital House demonstrates Olson Kundig's ability to design homes that are simultaneously monumental and comfortable, timeless and progressive. The use of durable materials, integration of artistic heritage, and elegant response to classical forms show why Olson Kundig remains at the forefront of contemporary architecture.