Architecture And Design

Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects’ Bridgehampton Surfside Residence Floats Elegantly Above the Dunes
July 28, 2014

Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects’ Bridgehampton Surfside Residence Floats Elegantly Above the Dunes

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There is a beautiful, breezy property in Bridgehampton that seems to be floating atop its sandy site. Called the Surfside Residence, this stunning home was designed by local studio Stelle Lomont Rouhani Architects as a retreat from all the hustle and bustle of daily life. Clad in wood and featuring two levels, just about every room in this abode boasts jaw-dropping views of the ocean. If you want to take a little mental break from today's grind, take a tour of this gorgeous house with us—the pictures alone are guaranteed to put you in a more peaceful state.
Tour the home here
INTERVIEW: George Schieferdecker Talks to Us About One Vandam and BKSK’s Future Projects
July 28, 2014

INTERVIEW: George Schieferdecker Talks to Us About One Vandam and BKSK’s Future Projects

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When it comes designing for contextual relevance (and Landmarks love), BKSK is a firm favored by many developers. BKSK was founded back in 1985 when three Columbia architecture students decided they wanted to apply the progressive design principles they were seeing in their studies to the New York City landscape. Fast forward to nearly three decades later, and this trio has blossomed into a full-fledged, six-partner practice with a penchant for residential designs. One of BKSK's current condo projects, One Vandam, is now on the rise and is getting plenty of attention for its slab on base design and syncopated glass and limestone facade. Though the design is much more modern than their previous works, One Vandam does pay homage to its dynamic locale. We recently caught up with one of BKSK's partners, George Schieferdecker, to find out what inspired One Vandam's design, to hear a bit about how New York has changed since BKSK first started its practice in the 80s, and to get the scoop on what's up next for the studio.
Read our interview with George here
Brooklyn Family Expands Fort Greene Townhouse with Airy Garden Pavilion by O’Neill McVoy Architects
July 28, 2014

Brooklyn Family Expands Fort Greene Townhouse with Airy Garden Pavilion by O’Neill McVoy Architects

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Few things look more out of place than a clunky new addition to a beautiful historic house, especially in a neighborhood as quaint and peaceful as tree-lined Fort Greene. So when the owners of this 19th-century townhouse wanted to expand and make room for two growing teenage daughters, they sought out a team who could do it seamlessly: Beth O'Neill and Chris McVoy of O'Neill McVoy Architects.
Check out the lovely new addition straight ahead
William Pedersen of KPF Strives to Design the Perfect Chair with Loop de Loop
July 28, 2014

William Pedersen of KPF Strives to Design the Perfect Chair with Loop de Loop

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If the name William Pedersen sounds familiar, it should. The 76-year-old architect is a founder and partner of Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), the powerhouse architecture firm behind massive building projects like One Vanderbilt and the cluster of 16 skyscrapers coming to the Hudson Yards. Though Pedersen has made a name for himself changing international skylines with his monumental structures, to our surprise, he also dabbles in industrial design. This year, Pedersen staffed his own booth at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair and presented, for the first time, his new furniture collection called Loop de Loop. The series features a set of incredible chairs made with dramatically curved carbon-steel forms that resemble the forward movement of a body in motion.
Learn more about the design
Sunny Park Slope Townhouse Gets an Artsy Makeover from The Brooklyn Home Company
July 26, 2014

Sunny Park Slope Townhouse Gets an Artsy Makeover from The Brooklyn Home Company

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From making the list of most popular baby names, to having whole stores devoted to its wares, Brooklyn has become quite the brand these days. But for a classic feel of living in the borough that bucks trends, we can always look to The Brooklyn Home Company for their tasteful, functional, and timeless spaces — like this stunning 5th Street Park Slope townhouse. The firm undertook the entire interior/exterior renovation, as well as the nine-foot extension that was added to the garden and parlor floors, those which the building owners occupy. They transformed the space with a mix of historic and modern details, custom built-ins, and impressive millwork. During the demolition, the original beams were discovered behind the drop ceiling, a feature that was left exposed and now anchors the entire living space.
Take a tour through the rest of this expertly crafted home
Add a Pop of Color to Your Home with These Fun Legato Cabinets
July 25, 2014

Add a Pop of Color to Your Home with These Fun Legato Cabinets

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Storage space is usually a challenge for New Yorkers, but finding attractive cabinetry is even harder. If you've been looking for something more than what's on IKEA's showroom floor, look no further. This cool contemporary design called 'Legato' comes courtesy of the folks over at Claesson Koivisto Rune. The designers wanted to create a piece that was not only eye-catching, but functional and adaptable to a home's ever-changing storage needs.
Read more about the design here
Grzywinski + Pons’ Dutchess House No. 1 is an Aluminum-Clad Country Retreat
July 25, 2014

Grzywinski + Pons’ Dutchess House No. 1 is an Aluminum-Clad Country Retreat

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There are no cedar shakes or white picket fences at this country abode in Millerton, New York. At Dutchess House No. 1, the architectural firm Grzywinski + Pons met their client's needs for an upstate retreat with a strikingly modern yet traditionally functional design, incorporating sustainable elements, rustic details, and clever security features. The most unexpected element of the home is its aluminum-clad façade, playfully sculpted to resemble the surface of bricks. Contrasting the shimmery panels are Ipe wood screens and bright yellow doors, both of which connect to the surrounding landscape.
There are a lot more surprises in this home that you won't want to miss
NYC Events 7/25: Tour the Hy-Fi Mushroom Tower at PS1; Star in a Times Square Film
July 25, 2014

NYC Events 7/25: Tour the Hy-Fi Mushroom Tower at PS1; Star in a Times Square Film

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Midsummer adventure doesn't require leaving the city, and we've got plenty of fantastic local events picked out for you to enjoy over the next few days. This weekend is your chance to star in one of Time Square Arts' amazing Midnight Moment films (this one involves crawling!); to see three new plays in development by the National Theater Company on Governor's Island; and to tour Soho's only gay and lesbian museum for a powerhouse two person photo show. You can also get in on a game of handball with a bunch of artists, learn about how hive design can help bees, or get up close and personal with MoMA PS1's Young Architects winner on an exclusive tour hosted by the AIA New York.
All the best events here
INTERVIEW: Renowned Architect Piet Boon on Bringing Dutch Design to NYC
July 23, 2014

INTERVIEW: Renowned Architect Piet Boon on Bringing Dutch Design to NYC

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Architect Piet Boon may hail from the Netherlands, but his status as a NYC starchitect is on the rise. Piet, who started his career as a builder, has over the years turned his practice to architecture and interiors, and today is a top choice amongst developers who want more than just a glass tower, but a building that promotes well-being through great design (oh-so-very Dutch). Piet recently sat down with us for an interview where he discussed everything from the differences he sees in Dutch and American design sensibilities, to his high profile Huys Penthouses project (which is almost sold out), to his new Oosten development for Williamsburg, to his definitively international style, which to our surprise he refers to as "barefoot chic."
Read our interview with Piet here
Shigeru Ban’s Metal Shutter Houses: A Humble Moniker for an Extraordinary Residence
July 23, 2014

Shigeru Ban’s Metal Shutter Houses: A Humble Moniker for an Extraordinary Residence

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Simplicity bordering on grandeur: that should be 2014 Pritzker Prize Laureate Shigeru Ban’s motto. Like his designs, the names of his residential projects are simple and clean, yet evoke a striking image before you ever lay eyes on the work. Curtain Wall House, Naked House, Cast Iron House, Furniture House, Crescent House, Picture Window House, Boomerang House - step inside any one of these exquisite residences and you might almost miss the complexity of Ban’s artistry; but make no mistake there is a quiet ingenuity to his vision. Metal Shutter Houses at 524 West 19th Street is no exception. Named for the motorized perforated shutters that cover the two major facades of the building and the retractable walls of glass, each apartment within it offers an almost seamless continuity between the interior and exterior space. Intrigued? So were we. Which is why we just had to take a peek inside this 2,700-square-foot duplex currently renting for $22,000 per month.
Right this way to be wowed by Shigeru Ban's genius
You’ll Fall in Love with Ryall Porter Sheridan Architect’s Red House
July 23, 2014

You’ll Fall in Love with Ryall Porter Sheridan Architect’s Red House

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And not just because red is the color of love; one look at this compact, but mighty Upstate cottage and your heart will start beating a little faster. The pop of color against the woodsy landscape, the modern yet rustic architecture, and the innovative, practical design--the Red House by Ryall Porter Sheridan is definitely swoon-worthy.
Find out why else we're crushing over this home
Design of SCDA Architects’ Arty New Building for the High Line Unveiled
July 23, 2014

Design of SCDA Architects’ Arty New Building for the High Line Unveiled

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Renderings for 515 High Line have been revealed, and it appears the Soo Chan-designed building will be quite the standout. The images, unearthed by NY YIMBY, reveal an 11-story structure with a few distinctive qualities to set it apart, even as the competition from surrounding developments, including Zaha Hadid’s West 28th street condo, grows steeper. The building has a simple base while the upper levels are defined by protruding slabs of glass that create a rippling effect. But the simple base, two sides of which will be facing the park, plans to be more than just a blank canvas. Taking the artistic nature of the High Line’s new buildings to the next step, 515 West 29th Street’s base will serve as an actual canvas, showcasing the work of up-and-coming artists.
Check out more renderings here
Landmarks Deems S.L. Green’s One Vanderbilt Tower ‘Appropriate’ for Its Grand Central Site, Others Not Happy
July 22, 2014

Landmarks Deems S.L. Green’s One Vanderbilt Tower ‘Appropriate’ for Its Grand Central Site, Others Not Happy

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The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission held a hearing today on a proposal by S.L. Green to build a huge tower on the northwest corner of Vanderbilt Avenue and 42nd Street directly across from Grand Central Terminal. The proposal before the commission was an application for a “certificate of appropriateness” for a transfer of air rights from the former Bowery Savings Bank Building at 110 East 42nd Street between Park and Lexington Avenues. The developers of S.L. Green made their moves by wooing Landmarks with renderings of Kohn Pedersen Fox-designed tower which would be 1,350 feet tall not counting a 100-foot-high spire—this is significantly higher than the Chrysler Building on the northeast corner of Lexington Avenue and 42nd Street and higher than all the supertalls in construction or planned for 57th Street.
Reactions from the hearing this way
You Can Own This Energy-Efficient Beach House Designed by Bates Masi + Architects
July 22, 2014

You Can Own This Energy-Efficient Beach House Designed by Bates Masi + Architects

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If you've been following our site from the start, you know that we love the rustic-meets-modern works of Bates Masi + Architects. So you can imagine our excitement when we were told that this small but stunning retreat, just steps away from the ocean, is now up for sale. Simply named the 'Beach Hampton House', this structure situated on the shores of Amagansett is a study in geometry and space at just 600 square feet, and offers luxurious seaside living with a minimal footprint.
Learn more about the Beach Hampton house here
Explore Some of NYC’s Most Beautiful Buildings That Used to be Banks
July 22, 2014

Explore Some of NYC’s Most Beautiful Buildings That Used to be Banks

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Banking made this town, and the bank buildings of the 19th and early 20th centuries continue to house some of New York's most classic architecture and design. Greek, Roman, and even Byzantine Revival architectures were the style of choice for bank buildings, and those great stone pillars are still worth visiting today. Ahead are some of the most beautiful former bank buildings in New York City.
See these beautiful bank buildings here
Map Enthusiast Creates a More Geographically Correct Version of Vignelli’s Old Subway Map
July 22, 2014

Map Enthusiast Creates a More Geographically Correct Version of Vignelli’s Old Subway Map

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For anyone in the world who's ridden the New York City subway, they've undoubtedly taken a curious gander at the system map, full of its rainbow-colored, crisscrossing lines. But what many riders may not know is that in 1972, a man named Massimo Vignelli was commissioned by the city to create a very different version of this map, immediately sparking controversy for its geometric simplicity and geographical inaccuracy. In 1979, Vignelli's map was replaced with a more organic, curving version like we see underground today. In 2008, the MTA commissioned Vignelli's firm to update their map, and a new version was put online to serve as the Weekender, highlighting weekend service changes. But now, underground map enthusiast Max Roberts has gone one step further, and claims he's come up with a perfect compromise between the Vignelli work and the MTA's signature map.
See what Mr. Roberts has come up with
Superdave’s Precious Slag Candlesticks Upcycle Pieces of Iron Found Scattered in the Forest
July 21, 2014

Superdave’s Precious Slag Candlesticks Upcycle Pieces of Iron Found Scattered in the Forest

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David Taylor, aka Superdave, is a Scottish-born, Stockholm-based designer who creates precious objects out of ordinary and found materials. His latest work, called Slag, consists of candlesticks made from assorted materials combined with pieces of iron found at the site of an abandoned 1600s iron foundry deep in the forests of Sweden.
Learn more about these precious candlesticks
East Hampton’s Kettle Hole House by Robert Young is an Organic Retreat Nestled in Pine Trees
July 21, 2014

East Hampton’s Kettle Hole House by Robert Young is an Organic Retreat Nestled in Pine Trees

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When we say organic here, we don't just mean the natural materials used throughout the house; we're referring to the fact that the project developed organically in response to the homeowners' seven-acre, East Hamptons lot and existing house. Built around 1982, the original structure was in dire need of a renovation. Robert Young Architecture and Interiors was committed to reusing as much of this house as possible, but wasn't sure if a restoration would be more economical than constructing a new house. Property surveys showed that the house was closer to the lot's picturesque kettle pond than current zoning would allow, so building a new structure would compromise privacy and the water views. From there, the Kettle Hole House was born amidst the lot's abundance of white pine trees.
See how the architects transformed the existing home into a cozy, contemporary retreat
LOT-EK Turns a Humble Shipping Container Into an Ultra Cool Penthouse with Empire State Views
July 21, 2014

LOT-EK Turns a Humble Shipping Container Into an Ultra Cool Penthouse with Empire State Views

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We've seen Manhattanites do all kinds of crazy and creative things to maximize space—from turning their ovens into closets to lofting entire rooms—but the Guzman Penthouse by LOT-EK is one of our favorite transformations. To expand this penthouse residence, LOT-EK revamped an old mechanical room, added a 20-foot shipping container to serve as the master bedroom, and created a spacious rooftop patio, all of which sit on top of the building with jaw-dropping Empire State Building views.
You can't miss the rest of this one-of-a-kind home
MADE Architecture Rethinks the Traditional Townhouse in Boerum Hill
July 21, 2014

MADE Architecture Rethinks the Traditional Townhouse in Boerum Hill

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When MADE Architecture was enlisted to help a young couple renovate their newly purchased Boerum Hill townhouse, they started from a blank slate--literally. The 2,400-square-foot home had been gutted by its previous owners, leaving nothing more than the floor joists and a brick shell. MADE took this opportunity to reimagine the interior layout of the traditional three-bay townhouse. By reorienting the stairway as a switchback, space was freed up on each floor, creating a contemporary, loft-like floorplan. The stairs also sit under a large skylight, which fills all angles of the house with natural light.
See how else the mix of old and new features in this home
The New York Architecture Day Trip: From Colonial to Deconstructivism in Manhattan
July 20, 2014

The New York Architecture Day Trip: From Colonial to Deconstructivism in Manhattan

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New York has a long history of great architecture. From the very beginnings in the colonial period to today, there are more great buildings to see in New York than anywhere else on the planet. Thankfully, with this guide, you can see them all in one simple south-north trip across Manhattan. Many great buildings are too tall or difficult to see up close, so we've chosen an example of each style of New York architecture that can also be appreciated from the ground level, rather than forcing you to gawk straight up at a skyscraper. Check out our New York architecture day trip.
Get your itinerary here
Bookworms Rejoice: Upper East Side Mansion Boasts Palatial, Double-Height Library
July 20, 2014

Bookworms Rejoice: Upper East Side Mansion Boasts Palatial, Double-Height Library

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Most of us in Manhattan are lucky if we can find room to fit one, tiny bookshelf in our homes, so you can imagine our reactions when we saw the opulent, two-story library at 12 East 69th Street. Not only does it make us ashamed of our puny literature collections, but the room is at least three times the size of our apartments. The celestial ceiling mural, massive amount of black walnut built-in shelving, and custom spiral staircase are also making us green with envy.  Non bookworms, have no fear--this house has an equally regal, double-height media room, which comes complete with sound-proof walls, rich wood paneling, a 12-foot screen, and plush velvet seats.
You don't want to miss the rest of the palatial digs
1970s Orient House IV by Ryall Porter Sheridan Architects Employs Passive House Principles
July 20, 2014

1970s Orient House IV by Ryall Porter Sheridan Architects Employs Passive House Principles

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Manhattan-based Ryall Porter Sheridan Architects recently renovated a 1970s house into a green escape that strictly follows Passive House standards. Located in Long Island just a few steps away from the sea, the minimal Orient House IV is completely clad in aged timber and features expansive north-facing windows that not only frame the beautiful views of its locale, but pulls in plenty of natural light. Designed to be more than just a vacation home, this stunning getaway is about as eco-friendly as it gets, and is said to be the second most energy-efficient structure on the island.
Learn more about the Orient House IV here
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