The Apollo Apartments is a truly stunning example of modern Apartment complex design. Situated in the epicenter of Washington D.C.'s H Street, The Apollo Apartments is located on the site of the original Apollo Theater. Carrying on the history of the original building, Apollo Apartments combines elements of new and old when it comes to its architecture and overall theme. Architects interested in unique, modern building design will find this complex to be a showcase of inspiring ideas. Elements of Modern Apartment Complex Design Modern architecture can be incredibly diverse, but there are a number of common characteristics that you'll find. Some of the most common design elements you'll spot in modern complexes include - Choice of Materials The heavy use of metal, concrete, glass, wood, and other basic building materials. Often times you'll find that the beauty of modern architecture comes from fairly bare materials that feel more alive than something artificial, such as vinyl, plastic, or composites. Crispness of Building Lines Modern architecture values strong, clean lines. You'll find many modern apartments to have a very stark contrast between vertical and horizontal faces on the exterior. Often you'll also see flat roofs. Decorative and curved lines certainly aren't as common, though they aren't to be avoided completely. Simplicity and Minimalism Strictly modern architecture is often quite minimalist in design. It isn't overly ornamented, but rather quite bare. This is due to the idea that a lack of purely decorative elements actually adds to the peace and appeal of a modern complex. What is interesting to note about the Apollo Apartments as a modern structure is the similarities and differences it has compared other modern complexes. The Apollo is more on the contemporary-modern side of the spectrum than strict modern. This is most apparent in the lines of the exterior and what extra elements were included. The Apollo building does have strong lines structurally, but it isn't as minimalist in design as others. This adds to the individuality and charm of this complex, inviting residences that appreciate modern architecture but that also find art deco charm to be more welcoming. When it comes to material use, the Apollo is built with a combination of glass, metal/steel, concrete, and wood. Despite much of the siding being brick, the addition of more modern materials adds to its appearance rather than detracts. While not immediately apparent, there is actually quite a lot of wood present in the architecture of the Apollo.   Incorporating Wood in Modern Architecture Despite modern being synonymous with innovation and cutting edges designs, wood remains a commonly used material regardless of how traditional it may seem. Wood has life and warmth to it that often pairs well in contrast to the overuse of concrete, steel, and other cold materials. The Apollo Apartments has wood throughout its design, with its decks and rooftop really taking the spotlight. Wood is always an excellent choice for outdoor settings, but more important than the look of the wood is the type of wood chosen. There are a number of different wood styles, based on the species and whatever surface treatments are chosen. Standard wood is a wonderful choice for creative designs where some type of painting or staining will be used, but it does have some downsides. Modern architecture calls for simplicity, and this also often translates to low-maintenance of the building itself. Standard wood is one of the most care-tensive building materials. The ability to apply any surface treatments is great from a creative perspective, but it also means the need to reapply them every few years or whenever they begin to wear away. For a high-traffic space, like a rooftop deck of an apartment, this could even be on a yearly or bi-yearly basis. A superior wood choice that better aligns with modern design is modified wood. Modified wood by Kebony is a real wood product - not a composite or other unnatural faux wood. It offers the beauty of natural wood without the maintenance. Surface treatments are purely optional and when left alone they will eventually age to a silvery-gray. Kebony modified wood is ideal for high-traffic spaces, making it perfect for the outdoor decking of the Apollo Apartments. Making the Most of Outdoor Spaces for Tenants The rooftop of the Apollo is fully outfitted with Kebony modified wood, along with touches of stone paving. Being moisture-resistant, modified wood can run right alongside pools or planted spaced with built-in sprinklers as well. Outdoor spaces are an integral part of any modern apartment complex. Apartment residents will enjoy having these areas to relax, sunbathe, or entertain guests. Potential residents will also be more likely to choose a complex with outdoor spaces than those that only offer small balconies. The Apollo Apartments is a truly beautiful example of a creative approach to modern apartment complex design. It proves that not every modern design has to be cookie-cutter identical to one another, but rather can have quite a bit of character. For more information on the use of modified wood in apartment design, like the decks on the Apollo, contact a representative at Kebony.