Private Residence

Tribeca, New York, NY / 2007–2009

Having recently purchased the upstairs adjacent apartment in their building, the client wanted to connect and renovate both apartments to create a single, cohesive duplex. The couple and their two young children needed an apartment to suit a growing family, as well as accommodate occasional out-of-town guests. Both a challenge and a welcome constraint, the building—The American Thread Building in Tribeca—is listed on the National Historic Registry.

Our goal—in addition to bringing cohesion to the home—was to clarify and distinguish the function of each room while increasing the openness of the space for better light, air, and movement. The main floor—their original apartment—would serve the public role by housing a spacious open kitchen, eating nook, living room, and dining room. A secluded study would serve several functions including as a music study, private office, occasional guest room and, perhaps most vital to any parent, a retreat for listening to LPs, reading, and watching movies apart from their children. The newly acquired second floor would house the private spaces, including three bedrooms, laundry, and a central, spacious, well-lighted playroom for the kids.

As a central design element, the stairs posed an interesting challenge. We wanted to maintain a light, airy feel in the space but had to ensure that the stairs would be safe for small children. A thin steel frame and some clever detailing make the staircase a central but subtle focus of the space. The combination of materials add some nice design moments by using simple materials in a custom way—leather wrapped treads, raw steel frame, glass baluster, waxed walnut handrail. We wanted it to feel solid but soft, sophisticated but simple, and absolutely safe for children in the home.

Photos: [3, 4] Francois Dischinger