This residence sits high above lower Manhattan with expansive views of the harbor. At times it literally sits among the clouds, floating above the city. The clients had a desire to live in a loft – however the space’s original floor plan and lower ceiling heights were in conflict with that goal. This led to the overarching concept of floating volumes, pulling upward and disconnecting the architecture from the ground plane. The design explores the idea of the changes in perception that come from how someone feels grounded in a space.
The entry offers two paths of egress – one that leads to the private living spaces of the client’s or a second that moves you forward to the communal area. The entry is compressed in height and width and features elevated coat closets with curbs and voids below, seamlessly integrating storage into the overall design and serving as the first experience of floating volumes. This compression opens to the dining and living area with breathtaking views of the harbor. The play between compression and expansion makes the space feel both more open and taller, creating contrast between the open “loft” like space of the communal area and the more private areas in the apartment.
The surfaces of the space work together to create a calm home for the clients serving as a canvas for their art collection, and evoke a warmth and history typically found in post-industrial lofts. The monolithic floor and white walls create a gallery-like experience, highlighting the importance of art in the clients life. The concrete floor is uninterrupted by thresholds and monolithic throughout the home, providing a continuous visual flow. It was troweled and polished by hand, leaving evidence of the craftspeople who created the floor.
The kitchen is the heart of the space for clients who entertain often. It’s finishes of brushed stainless steel and sintered stone create a rich focal point in the communal area. The large island serves as the boundary between the highly functional kitchen and the need to entertain. The beverage storage was moved to the periphery of the kitchen so that the clients could host without interrupting the cooking in the kitchen.
The floor to ceiling windows with south and west exposure provide natural light with floating window seats lining the perimeter. The color palette of gray, white, and blue was chosen to complement the space’s natural surroundings and provide a sense of harmony. Blue hues were incorporated to acknowledge the NYC harbor and its ever-changing reflections through the day and seasons and serve as a bridge between the ocean and home. White walls were chosen as a canvas for showcasing the art collection, while gray tones added a touch of patina and age to the project. Great attention was given to integrating the client’s furniture and accessories with new items to create a dialogue throughout the space.
CONSULTANTS
- MEP Engineer: ABS Engineering
- Contractor: TBro’s Renovation Inc.
- Photography: Kirsten Francis Photography
- Photo Stylist: Vanessa Vazquez Stylist
- Kitchen Fabricator: Arclinea
- Tile: Florim & Neolith
