Location: Tribeca, New York City
Project size: 1,000 square feet

Program: Located in a landmarked neo-Renaissance loft building dating to 1909, the apartment was purchased largely in its original condition as a raw artist’s studio. The renovation presented a unique design challenge: transforming the space into a primary residence for a young family of four while preserving the openness and character of a loft. The client’s main goal was to create a large, open living space while maintaining a sense of privacy. Additional programmatic requests included a generous primary bathroom, a powder room to enhance resale value, and ample integrated storage throughout the apartment.

Design Solution: To maximize space, the galley kitchen was placed within a circulation zone—eliminating underutilized hallways and allowing the space to serve multiple functions—while also accommodating the building’s requirement that plumbing be confined to the single allowable “wet zone.” This move created a generous living and dining area and positioned the kitchen as the central spine of the home. Two compact children’s bedrooms were arranged in a “railroad style,” the smaller of the two was designed with an oversized pocket door that can open fully to the kitchen. The hallway to the primary suite incorporates a large pocket door, allowing the bathroom to serve a dual role: functioning as a private en suite when closed and as an accessible bathroom for the main living spaces when open. The accessible, “Type A” bathroom allowed for the creation of a code-compliant, compact powder room. The design successfully balances efficiency, privacy, and a sense of openness within a compact living environment.

Structure and Materials: Material differentiation is used throughout the project to define programmatic spaces. A wood-lined vestibule establishes a clear threshold to the primary suite, while large wood pocket doors demarcate rooms that can open or close for flexibility. In the kitchen, the original rough fireproofing remains exposed. The powder room contrasts with a smooth plaster finish, offering a tactile and visual counterpoint. A subtle limewash paint defines the living-room-facing walls of the bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets.

Additional Information
Completion date: October, 2024
Total construction cost: Withheld
Client/Owner: Withheld