Location
7 M Street NEWashington, DC 20002
Rooted in the language of a deconstructed greenhouse, the interiors at The Iris explore how nature, transparency, and urban density can coexist to create a more human-centered residential experience. This concept reimagines the greenhouse not as a sealed volume, but as a living framework that blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, public and private, structure and landscape.
Click on any image to open gallery.
Located in Washington, DC’s NoMa neighborhood, The Iris is a 433-unit multifamily tower offering 18,000 square feet of thoughtfully curated amenities. Inspired by the forms and atmospheres of a greenhouse, the interiors balance contemporary design with warmth, texture, and a sense of organic growth. Throughout the building, the language of the greenhouse is expressed through weathered bricks, patinaed metals, terracotta finishes, and layered greenery. A palette of botanical greens, blush and quartz tones, and warm neutrals set the stage for a living experience that feels both cultivated and organic.
In the entry vestibule, bronze, vine-like lines sweep across the ceiling and blossom into soft, lotus-shaped light fixtures. Designed to draw residents and guests in from the street, these sculptural lights guide movement toward the concierge, making light the first point of connection within the space. Extending into the entry lounge, the installation introduces the project’s botanical and sculptural identity with a sense of warmth and motion.
Moving beyond the vestibule, the Great Room unfolds as a flexible coworking hub, offering spaces for collaboration, connection, focus, and relaxation. A mix of private study rooms, communal tables, and banquette seating supports both the focused and social use of the space. In this space, a series of arched trellises form semi-enclosed coworking and teleworking booths. Framed with integrated greenery, these arches created rhythm and softness within the room, reimagining the workplace experience through a nature-inspired lens.
At the heart of the Great Room is a dramatic, double-height space, anchored by a custom statement light installation. Suspended like a luminous canopy, the fixture draws from the structural forms of traditional greenhouses. Draping greenery introduces an intentionally overgrown and organic feel, while a constellation of pendants creates a warm and ambient glow. Visible from the street, the installation is designed to evoke intrigue and curiosity in passerby’s as they walk by the building on the corner of N. Capitol and N Street. This statement light fixture anchors the space through scale, repetition, and visual weight.
The TV/entertainment area is anchored by softly defined arched alcoves that create an intimate yet conversational rhythm within the room. Wrapped in botanical imagery and pattered finishes, these arches frame semi-enclosed seating areas that balance openness with a sense of comfort and privacy. Plush lounge seating in warm, muted tones is contrasted with integrated greenery and textured materials.
Residents and guests can enjoy a range of outfitted amenities including dedicated work spaces, food delivery spaces, a greenhouse lounge and potting room, a TV/entertainment area, a fitness space, pet spa, and communal kitchen, lounge, and outdoor amenities. These amenities were meticulously designed in response to life during the pandemic, when wellness and care were re-examined through a more holistic lens. Each of these spaces continue to symbolize the language of a deconstructed greenhouse. The color palette is expanded to capture a range of earth tones from blush pink to deep navy blue and bold shades of orange. The curved structure of the furniture mimics the lines and frames of a greenhouse with soft fabrics to match.
Next door, the communal kitchen and lounge elevate the residential experience further, offering expansive views and a relaxed, hospitality-driven atmosphere. Designed as an open, flexible layout, the space is designed to accommodate both casual and hosted gatherings. A rich palette of teal, rust, and warm neutrals is complemented by organic wood accents, reinforcing the project’s cultivated, yet approachable, character.
Together, the interiors of The Iris unfold as a curated sequence of spaces rooted in the language of growth, light, and connection. Arched forms, botanical motifs, and integrated greenery create moments of enclosure, but also of community. The Iris reinterprets greenhouse typologies through a contemporary residential lens, resulting in an interior ecosystem that feels cultivated, expressive, and grounded in everyday use.
7 M Street NEWashington, DC 20002
MRP Realty
Photography: Kate Wichlinksi
462,000 SF
Affordable Housing, Amenities, FF+E, Fitness Center, LEED, Rooftop, Social Spaces
LEED Gold