Slavin Arnholz Tower Home in Washington DC
January 23, 2026
Architecture: Travis Price Architects
Location: Washington, District Of Columbia, United States of America
Photos by Ken Wyner
The original Slavin Arnholz Tower Home, was too small, but highly loved. The family and its home author needed much more space, especially as they abutted the beautiful, immense central forest of Washington D.C. The Historic cottage was kept well-made.
However, a vertical series of rooms looked into the sky of tall trees created with timeless materials and great vistas. No backyard was possible as it was a rolling cliff.
Level by level, privacy for bedrooms, gyms, book offices, and many vistas of inside to outside porches all the way to the roof were dancing.
Copper and glass would last forever. The historic portion of the original house stayed as a guest room and a small office. The best part was the surprise. Arriving seemed quaint and simple. Inside was astonishing and made to walk out from every floor to the outside decks. It made a tree house that grew and grew.
Nothing of the old house was lost as it was merged internally with the new. The most enjoyable aspects are the endless views, always turning views of nature with minimalist interiors and furnishings.
A glass tower stairwell is rising with a long-awaited glass elevator. What a ride at home in a glass tower, moving with birds, trees, and deer all around in a big city.
Given its location overlooking the forest of Washington, DC, what specific design strategies were employed to maximize the connection to nature and capitalize on the surrounding views?
Glass for key views to the forest, as well as Kalwall to allow light with privacy, and endless bookshelves.
What was the inspiration behind the tower element in the design, and how does this feature contribute to the home’s functionality, aesthetic, and overall experience?
It was meant to be a tree formation, floor by floor, for each member of the family, including children, authors, and lawyers.
Slavin Arnholz Tower Home in Washington DC, USA – Building Information
Architecture: Travis Price Architects –
Project size: 3000 ft2
Site size: 20000 ft2
Project budget USD 1,800,000
Completion date: 2008
Building levels: 4
Photography: Ken Wyner
Beyer Blinder Belle Architects
Slavin Arnholz Tower Home, Washington DC, USA images / information received 230126 from Beyer Blinder Belle Architects, NY, USA
Location: Washington, DC, United States of America
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