On June 21 Modern Richmond offers a tour of 20 W. Leigh Street, a compelling example of urban Modern architecture that advances the archetype of the Richmond row house. The house was designed by architects Josh McCullar and Katie Cortez when both were working at SMBW. It was completed in 2015. The exterior echoes the architectural features found throughout its historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, with its rectangular brick massing, one-story porch and bay windows, while asserting its modernity with bold, clearly differentiated details.
With a modest 20' x 48' rectangular footprint, the house rises three stories. The 10 foot tall ceilings throughout the open ground floor plan provide a sense of spaciousness. The architectural piece de resistance is a central lightwell that brings abundant natural light into the central kitchen which functions as the heart of the house. The lightwell is bridged by structural glass floors and protected by glass rails.
Walls throughout are painted in pale gray, a soothing backdrop to the owners' spectacular art collection.
On-street parking is available on nearby side streets.
Photos courtesy of Ansel Olson Photography.
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