New York Metropolis-based architect Michael Ok Chen has renovated an residence in Manhattan’s Carnegie Hill neighbourhood, which incorporates movable partitions that create completely different layouts based mostly on the occupants’ wants.
The luxurious residence’s interiors had been renovated for a household of 5, who sought to open up the area whereas nonetheless permitting for moments of privateness from one another and visitors.
In response to Michael Ok Chen Architects (MKCA), the present format was a collection of smaller rooms that did not permit for bigger gatherings.
“MKCA reshaped the residence’s plan to optimise circulation and the seamless transformation of the house from a collection of personal, unbiased areas into an interconnected, spacious panorama,” mentioned the agency.
The residence encompasses 4,000 sq. ft (371 sq. metres) and consists of 4 bedrooms, every with its personal ensuite, together with a proper gallery, eating room, research, and eat-in kitchen.
The constructing’s elevator opens instantly into the residence, the place a poured terrazzo ground is inlaid with curving brass strips that create a “playful, expressive sample”.
Customized oak panelling strains the gallery and circulation space, and conceals doorways to the residing and eating rooms.
“Within the gallery, lighting and hidden artwork hanging rails are built-in subtly into the millwork, creating a versatile show system for the household’s rotating assortment of up to date images,” defined MKCA.
“All through the residence, doorways might be pivoted and slid away and rooms might be intentionally reconfigured as wanted, affording area for the household to spend time collectively, which they described as a excessive precedence, whereas additionally permitting for unbiased actions,” the architects added.
The eating room encompasses a built-in banquette in opposition to which the desk is positioned, and a bookshelf wraps round for added storage as wanted.
When the household is internet hosting, the desk might be pulled away, making a extra formal eating setting.
“The desk expands, the banquette breaks aside into chairs, and the chandelier swivels to the centre of the room for a seamless transition between household meals and formal/entertaining settings,” mentioned the architects.
Pocket doorways between the residing and eating rooms permit for these areas to be both mixed or closed off, relying on the wants of the household.
The bedrooms and personal areas additionally characteristic built-in cupboards that maximise storage or kind nooks for a desk or banquette.
MKCA used a refined palette of marble, wooden, and patterned wall coverings all through the house’s non-public areas.
A separate front room is shared by the three youngsters’s bedrooms, and is located off a secondary hall that affords extra privateness.
“From the very starting, these had been shoppers who requested us to take them outdoors of their consolation zone,” mentioned architect Michael Ok Chen.
“The couple had very clear concepts about how they needed to reside, and the way sure rooms ought to operate, however had been serious about an method and an aesthetic that was extra adventurous and expressive, however not kooky.”
Chen based his observe in 2011. The agency has additionally designed a youngsters’s library for a shelter within the Bronx, and an Higher East Aspect residence that features a customized staircase.
The images is by Max Burkhalter.
Challenge credit:
Crew: Natasha Harper, Challenge Lead, Robinson Sturdy, Andrew Matia, Braden Caldwell, Justin Snider, Cristina Sonneman, Michael Ok Chen
MEP engineer: ABS Engineering
Common contractor: IA Building Administration