Private Residence
Overlooking Rittenhouse Square, one of Philadelphia’s most elegant neighborhoods, the residence is the urban home of a professional couple and their daughter. The goal of the design was to create a comfortable and elegant home that offered a calm respite from the intense rhythm of daily working life, while also being well suited for entertaining in style.
The new residence required the complete interior demolition of two existing flats, and the construction of an entirely new 4000 sf home that enjoys breathtaking views of the square to the east and south. The home, rendered in a warm palette of natural stone, walnut, and plaster, is served by a carefully configured open plan. The plan provides for a seamless flow through the spaces, and varying conditions of light punctuated by framed views to the skyline beyond. A gallery, which also serves as the central circulation spine, delineates between public and private spaces, while providing a generous landscape for the clients’ budding collection of both two and three-dimensional artwork. The design successfully engages its unique surroundings, while addressing programmatic needs and clients’ requirements. Dragani Martone Studio designed and coordinated every aspect of the project, including the curating of all art work.
