Letter
Dear Mr. Ohrstedt:
During its last meeting of 20 October, the Commission reviewed the proposed revisions to the design for the House of Sweden located at 901 30th Street, NW in Georgetown (case OG 04-197). The Commission appreciated the presentation as well as the opportunity on the previous evening to view an on-site mockup of several alternatives for the exterior panels, incorporating computer-generated photographic images of enlarged wood-like grain laminated in glass panels. The Commission agreed that the use of the laminated panels instead of the previously approved wood veneer responds to the concern on the durability of the veneer panels. Of the samples considered, the members felt the alternative preferred by the design architect was the most appropriate and approved the use of these panels on the balconies. The use of the black polished granite stripes on the white stone on the terraces was also approved, as was the use of prefabricated concrete for the entry steps.
In addition to the review of the material samples, the Commission discussed several additional revisions to the project design: large-scale wooden letters reading "House of Sweden" behind the first-floor glass; the Swedish Embassy emblem on the north wall; frosted glass screens to divide the balconies; and alterations to the flood protection doors toward Rock Creek. The Commission had no objection to these revisions to the approved design and these can be developed and submitted through the District Government's Permit Office for a revision to the permit for construction of the building.
The Commission members thank the Swedish government, their design architect, and the development team in their efforts to address their concerns regarding this prominent project.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Peter Ohrstedt
Department Head, Swedish National Property Board
c/o Embassy of Sweden
1501 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
cc: Gunnar Lund, Ambassador of Sweden
Alan Novak, Lano International
Christopher Collins, Holland & Knight
Warren Wick, VOA
Gert Wingardh, Wingardh Arkitektkontor AB
Daniel Karchem, Karchem Properties