Mason Studio is transforming the rental marketplace, bringing the aspirational style of a luxury hotel directly to residents in its latest project, Ledger Union Market, located in the heart of Washington, DC.
From the wraparound rooftop lounge and dining space featuring city views and a see-through fireplace to the double-height lobby, Mason Studio was engaged by Great Gulf to design all communal spaces for this simply stunning project. Applying its recognized 'less is better' design philosophy, Mason Studio has carefully curated these luxury interiors with design considerations aimed at elevating the overall rental living experience.
Channeling the vibrancy of the surrounding neighborhood and Capitol city, each floor of the building's common amenity spaces has an intentionally unique theme. Pulling in elements inspired by the surrounding local Union Market food hall, which is DC's hippest feasting ground (a revived mid-century bazaar that holds food stalls, informal restaurants and kitchenware boutiques), Mason Studio's use of materiality, including textures and tiles, and all locally-designed and sourced artwork, create a new and refined space for renters to call home.
"Communal area design has historically been an afterthought in rental developments, but we see an opportunity to elevate this living experience," commented Stanley Sun, Founding Partner of Mason Studio. "In partnership with Great Gulf for Ledger Union Market, we were able to draw from the creative community feel that already exists in the neighborhood and integrate this into the project through carefully selected vibrant local artwork, luxurious lounging areas that encourage communal gathering, and connected indoor/outdoor spaces that honour the history of the area. We wanted to create spaces that would encourage residents to take pause and enjoy the beautiful cityscape around them, while providing an elevated, boutique hotel-like environment that renters would be proud to call home each and every day."
The new design features a wraparound penthouse rooftop lounge, which includes seating and dining areas, where residents can take in the breathtaking views of the Capitol building from an interconnected indoor/outdoor space. The rooftop also features recessed ceilings lined with uplit wooden slats that create a soft glow in the evening, alongside a translucent central fireplace that is designed to bring the space - and its residents - together. An animated and interconnected double-height lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows and an open grand staircase leading to the mezzanine above encourages a sense of community and interaction that draws inspiration from the markets just outside its doors.
Photography: Jennifer Hughes