The Terrace at the Residences at the Ritz-Carlton

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Client Residences at the Ritz-Carlton Condominium Association

Location Philadelphia, PA

Scope 2,530 SF

Located just off the second-floor amenity lounge, the newly refreshed terrace at the Residences at the Ritz-Carlton offers tenants a space with warmth and functionality.

The stunning urban backdrop of City Hall and Dilworth Park combined with the modern yet timeless finishes lend a sense of airy, light sophistication that flows through every corner of the terrace.

Designed to be inviting and practical, the terrace features two sleek gas grills, an outdoor kitchen with a stainless-steel sink, a refrigerator, and an ice maker—perfect for social gatherings or private relaxation. A striking pergola shelters a high-counter kitchen and bar seating area from the elements while maintaining an open-air ambiance. Scattered throughout the terrace are cozy seating arrangements and numerous fire pits for tenants to gather and unwind. A sculpture garden and a tranquil water table with a flower bed, both expertly crafted by Magma Studios, add artistic flair to the space. Given that the space will be in constant exposure to the outdoors, all elements and materials were chosen for their resilience and with longevity in mind.

As the Architect of Record for this project, we played a pivotal role in transforming the designer’s concept into a fully realized space. We refined the initial design, assuring that every detail aligned with the project’s vision while making them practical for implementation.

One of the primary challenges of this project was meeting the structural requirements for the pergola and integrating it with the existing paver system. The pergola’s weather loads and the significant weight of the steel framework posed potential risks to the terrace’s structural integrity. To overcome this, we worked closely with our structural engineer and contractor to thoroughly evaluate load-bearing capacities and weight distribution. This collaboration ensured that the design criteria were fully met while maintaining the safety and stability of the structure.

While the structural demands were the primary challenge, we also faced an extended timeline, largely due to delays with L&I approvals due to the structural nature of this project and weather constraints that impacted construction. To mitigate this, we adapted our timeline to prioritize work during favorable weather conditions, ensuring that the construction process moved forward without sacrificing quality or safety.