1 Hotel DC | Oppenheim Architecture

The design for the 1 Hotel engages a dialog between architecture and sustainability in the attempt to establish a new hospitality concept that pushes the boundaries of eco-architecture in the context of an urban luxury hotel. Three 11- story volumes connected by glass enclosed vertical gardens are arranged on the corner site in the central business district of DC to optimize efficiency light and openness. Zones of varying degrees of privacy at the most public ground level are organized by the volumetric play established by the building massing and materiality. Light and garden serve as organizational devices that direct circulation define urban articulations and maximize the sensations of pleasure and delight. A harmonious integration of architecture and engineering disciplines permits hyper-efficiency in both structural and mechanical systems allowing for economies of time building material and energy. Inspired by Victorian-era Botanical gardens the building employs a delicate and lacy double glazed fenestration system that evokes both emotional and physical comfort in all climatic conditions. Verdant rooftop gardens in conjunction with the internalized vertical gardens act as a “living machine” to purify air and water allowing the project to conserve natural resources. Capturing energy and balance from earth and sky the project brings forth and new paradigm in green building. Overall massing of the 1 hotel is arranged around an open courtyard. This space seeks to captures natural light to be diffused to the guest rooms lobby and restaurant while offering an open garden for the public use on the ground level. The courtyard in conjunction with the hotel gardens on the second level offers a green oasis with an urban experience. Ultimately it will serve as a respite from the city activating all the senses while heightening our awareness of place. The courtyard will serve as a seasonal register as local foliage responds to the changing of seasons. The vertical gardens within the hotel will further heighten one’s experience as they bring light and fresh filtered air into the hotel. The bar and café that occupy the corner location at the intersection of M Street NW and 22nd Street NW is located to engage the public throughout the day. Sliding glass doors comprise the façade on the corner to be peeled back weather permitting for full integration with the sidewalk and public realm. This area is meant to essentially become part of the urban streetscape. Public engagement with the project will continue to the green roof as this area will be open to events during mild weather. Thus the roof offers an extension of the garden experience and a retreat from the city while functionally serving the green systems of the building. Through the national guidelines set forth by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) under the USBC (U.S. Green Building Council) this building will set standards for building performance and sustainability goals.