The alley dwelling is a unique urban typology. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries alley dwellings were widespread in Washington, DC’s urban neighborhoods, and after near eradication by social reform/slum clearance efforts, are finding new life in the 21st century. This project converts a one-story garage into a 2-story single family dwelling that has everything one could wish for living in a compact 600 SF volume. It’s siting at the end of a U-shaped pedestrian alley allows a discrete entrance for pedestrians, while automobile access to the garage is maintained in the wide alley to the east. Upper and lower levels are unified by a skylit stair, whose birch plywood guardrail ascends to the upper living space where it morphs into wall and ceiling paneling that creates a cocoon for the lounging area distinct from the food prep and dining area outside the cocoon. The completed structure perfectly illustrates the reinvigoration of the alley dwelling as an integral part of this alley setting within one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the US.

Project Team:
Richard Williams, FAIA
Justin Donovan, AIA
Rukhasar Bagwan

Structural Engineer:
Linton Engineering, LLC

General Contractor:
LR Mailloux Construction

Photography by Frazier Springfield