Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects
River's Edge Penthouse

This 1980s condominium was transformed from a dark, compartmentalized interior into a light-filled, contemporary residence that celebrates its remarkable setting--framed by sweeping views of the river to the east and the lush Pacific Northwest hills to the west.

The design was inspired by the desire to bring daylight into the home's core and strengthen its connection to the surrounding landscape. Interior walls separating the kitchen and living spaces were removed to create a cohesive open plan with uninterrupted sightlines from core to perimeter. Mechanical systems were strategically relocated to the center of the unit, allowing ceilings at the edges to be raised and views to fully expand outward.

To balance openness with flexibility, custom blackened steel and brass woven mesh screens along with translucent sliding panels, provide subtle spatial division while always allowing light to filter through. Translucent finishes at the perimeter further soften daylight and frame the natural vistas beyond.

A highlight of the project is a custom glass art installation created with Bullseye Glass, inspired by Pacific Coast kelp forests. Illuminated by daylight and backlit at night, the piece animates the entry and establishes a distinctive sense of place.