Hillier Architecture gave new life to this 2,400-square-foot apartment on the thirty- eighth floor of a post-war residential tower on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Designed to meet the needs of business travel and the occasional family rendezvous, this pied-a-terre is the visual antidote to the decorous interiors often found in mid-century apartments in the city.
The design team focused on the assets of the existing apartment – primarily the spectacular wrap-around views of Central Park and the East River that could be accessed through punched window openings in almost every room. The low ceilings created a spatial horizontality that served to bring the eye-level down and reinforce the views to the city beyond.
Many of the interior partitions were removed to create an expansive loft-like space. The openness would become the unifying element in the design and permit light to enter the space from the south and east. No longer defined by partitions, the kitchen, dining and living spaces enjoy a connectedness without sacrificing their individual spatial integrity. Separation and privacy between spaces is achieved through the use of sliding doors and screens.
The leitmotif was Asian-inspired and generated by the lifestyle preferences of the owner, whose early years were spent residing in Japan. The inspiration was fueled by examples of Japanese architecture known as sukiya zukuri, where lower ceilings, simple wood paneling and shoji screens were commonly used.
Hillier translated these design ideas into a living space that is both sensuous and functional. The golden anigre provides visual warmth and elegance without a whisper of its functional role in concealing flat screen TVs, stereo speakers, a bar and lots of general storage. The Pompeii stone flooring is imported from China and lends a richness of color and contrast that unifies the spaces.
The motif was carried into the kitchen and four bathrooms where a spa-like serenity was achieved. His and her bathrooms reflect personal preferences for teak and marble, deep hues and pastels. Low voltage, controlled aperture lighting was selected to create the correct ambiance in each of these rooms.
The architect assisted the owner in the selection and purchase of fine art, and custom-designed hand-woven silk rugs, cabinet hardware and furniture.
View Original