Steel, Teak, and Sky: A Recycled Modern Garden in the Warehouse District

Logan Circle, Washington, DC

The townhouse rooftop draws inspiration from the simplicity and honest materials of the nearby former warehouse district, using metal and wood as its primary finishes. Sustainability guided every decision: the clients asked for a design emphasizing recyclability and low life‑cycle impact, so each element was chosen for long‑term durability and responsible sourcing.

Custom teak screens clad the party walls, matching the teak decking and introducing warmth against accents of pierced Cor‑ten steel planters, whose rusted patina adds texture and depth. Working with a local fabricator, we designed an extremely durable stainless spa, both sculptural and functional, and selected Richard Schultz cast‑aluminum furniture for its weight—ideal for a windy rooftop—and for manufacturer Knoll’s “Full Circle” recycling program.

Plantings focus on hardy Mid‑Atlantic natives and species attractive to pollinators and butterflies, including Hibiscus moscheutos, Clematis virginiana, Clethra alnifolia, and Rhus typhina. The result is a rooftop retreat that merges industrial clarity with ecological sensitivity—a modern garden rooted in sustainability and craft.