COLP / HABER RESIDENCE -  NEW YORK, NY

TYPOLOGY: Residential

SCOPE: Full Interior Renovation

SIZE: 2200 Sq ft

CLIENT: Ruth Colp-Haber

This 2200 square foot apartment renovation, on the Upper East Side, was designed to accommodate the clients' modern design sensibilities and combine their work environment with their home. The apartment is located in the Sovereign Building on East 58th street, and was originally conceived as a 2-bedroom apartment with a maid's room, which was clearly defined as individual rooms. 

The renovation attempted to open up the space from the existing traditional apartment to a contemporary open loft space, allowing more view and light to filter through. The prime objective was to maximize storage space and to minimize maintenance due to the presence of the client's dog. To protect the existing Eileen Grey sofa and all the new built-in furniture from the dog, an extensive amount of black leather was used for its durability. To offset the black, "de Stijl primary colors" were used in order to create a more playful environment. This was achieved by creating a band of birch cabinetry, toped with yellow Fincolor plywood with exposed dark stained edge that ribbon through out the apartment. It starts from one end as the office, and moves thru dining area to the other end as the living room. The living space remains free of walls, using custom built architectural events to define the spatial character and use of each area rather than partitions. These playful elements satisfy multiple functional needs simultaneously. 

The yellow surface changes height as it meanders through the apartment functioning as the client's desk top in the office, counter top with storage underneath, built-in sofa in the living area, book shelf above the stereo system and office, sink counter in the powder room, and built-in seating in the kitchen. 

As her desk surface turns vertical and then horizontal again, it creates a tucked in alcove with recessed lights that illuminate the work area. All her office equipments are hidden inside the built-in cabinets with the dark fincolor edge cutting through. There is a roller shade at the opening, which allows closing of the desk. The office may be closed off completely by a set of pocket doors made with translucent Panelites. The Panelite is used again at the corner edge of the powder room allowing natural light to get in as well lighting up when the room is occupied. 

Photos by Silke Mayer