Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., right next to George Washington University, 2100 Penn is one of the most notable projects that combines architecture with natural stone.
This office building, located within walking distance of the White House, not only meets modern office functions but also stands out for its architectural language, use of materials, and contribution to public spaces. The most striking part of the building is its three-story marble-floored lobby. The Turkish Dark Olive marble used in this area adds both a strong character and a warm atmosphere to the space.
The stones used for the floor, steps, wall coverings, and curved surfaces were prepared using the dry laying method on site and applied with great care. Each stone was selected considering its grain structure and tone, numbered, and pre-mounted. The behavior of the stone in the space was planned step by step.
The architect of the design, Craig Copeland, aimed to create a “natural sanctuary” by combining natural stone with warm materials like wood. The building’s V-shaped site plan and undulating facade evoke the image of a sailboat or a fluttering flag. The interior continues this sense of movement through the stone’s vein structure. A marble line that runs from the lobby area to the roof flows through the building like a river.
The stones used in the project were quarried in Turkey and processed at a facility in Sivas. The dry laying work continued even during the pandemic. Each of the massive stone steps, weighing an average of 160 kilograms, was shaped using a special production process and cut with a riser to achieve a single-piece appearance. Special pieces such as the curved reception desk were produced by cutting large stone blocks with a wire saw.
The building’s LEED Gold-certified sustainable design also includes the effective use of natural light and open spaces. 2100 Penn offers a space open to the university and the surrounding community: a living part of the city with walking paths, open terraces, seating areas, and shops.
Stone is not merely a cladding material in this project; it is a structural element that defines the language of the space and shapes its atmosphere. 2100 Penn once again demonstrates the powerful role that natural stone can play in modern architecture.
+90 532 585 51 95
+90 532 585 51 95