DUANE STREET APARTMENT
Design
This comprehensive renovation combined two adjacent duplex apartments in a TriBeCa loft building, while retaining the original early industrial character of exposed wood columns, beams, and masonry. The lower level includes open spaces for living, dining and eating, and enclosed spaces for utilities and studying. These semi-private spaces are closed off by oversized pocket doors re-incorporated from the original apartment. A new switch back stair between the two floors replaces the original narrow circular staircase and provides a generous transition from lower public areas to upper sleeping and play spaces. The bedrooms of the second floor hug the perimeter of the building while the atrium play areas are centered in the apartment and are day lit by two generous skylights. A glass clad bridge constructed from existing and reused floor joists, passes through the open atrium to connect bedrooms and play areas. An existing circular staircase from the second floor to the roof level was modified and clad with plaster walls to float above the dining area.
The new kitchen uses walnut to tie the space together: with new stained cabinets, a butcher block countertop complimented by white glass, and a backsplash of walnut and marble filigree tile. The new bathrooms continue the use of patterned and colorful tile in a palette of blue and green. New rift cut white oak floors with a faint whitewash creates a continuous tactile surface between the two floors. Mechanically—operated shades installed at the roof level balconies and skylights filter the western sun and provide soft daylight.
Construction
Full construction management services were provided by Mabbott Seidel Build, our licensed and insured general contracting company. Our services included the daily management of the site, including coordinating all trades, purchases, scheduling and open book accounting of all expenses. Our subcontractors provided new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems throughout as well as paint, plaster, tile and millwork. Because of our comprehensive involvement from early design through construction, we were able to respond nimbly to site specific decisions and coordinate complex staging, scheduling, and building access.
Photos by Ofer Wolberger