33 LAFAYETTE AVENUE
Client: Michael Parris
Type: Mixed Use
Location: Brooklyn
Size: 7,800 SF
Design: 2017
Structure: Silman Associates
Mechanical: Gallen Engineering
Civil: Langan
33 Lafayette Avenue expands an existing 4-storey building to a 7-storey multi-dwelling building with commercial ground floor.
The expansion is conceived and built with upcycled orange shipping containers. The shipping containers will be completely retrofitted off-site and stacked on site in a large T shape, grafted into the existing building.
Large semi-circular opening will be opened in each container to form large circles that float on top of each other along the front and back facade. On the front facade the circular graphic of the opening is extended over the existing building by painting the "negative" graphic with dark gray enamel.
RUSSELL / FONTANEZ APARTMENT
Type: Residential
Location: East Village, New York
Size: 1,100 SF
Design: 2010
Project Architect: Virginie Stolz
Structure: Silman
Fabrication: Andreas Scholtz, Craft Workshop
Photography: Danny Bright
Originally two units combined by previous owners to encircle the central staircase, the configuration resulted in significant wasted space, awkward connections, and dark interiors. Our challenge was to transform the difficult layout into a modern/open plan, while heeding the client's primary desire to create great circulation, with more light, and maximized space for functionality and storage. The solution – turn the problem on its head by transforming the forgotten and least-interesting areas into the most important, and beautiful spaces.
Unnecessary party walls were demolished. The central staircase was then flanked with two tunnels to capitalize on the underutilized square footage. Fashioned from 63 upcycled commercial steel doors, the tunnels compressed all functional and/or mechanical needs into the middle portion of the apartment, while freeing the front and rear areas. Original details of the doors -- hinges, as well as patina/wear on the ends – are left showing, as an industrial counter-balance to the other more finished aspects of the apartment. Additionally, cutouts which formally housed door handles and locks were outiffted with light fixtures to enhance door elements and provide ambient lighting.
One tunnel distributes all service areas – master bath, wardrobe, guest bath, laundry & storage. The other, wider, tunnel houses a custom, well-appointed dining area, centered around a LOT-EK designed table of reclaimed sassafras and steel which comfortably seats 12. A built-in banquette, also salvaged metal doors, provides seating along one length of the table, and includes hidden storage. Tunnel surfaces are enameled in a continuous red shade, enveloping the spaces with a warm aura, while providing vivid shots of color from the completely open front kitchen/living area and rear bedroom suite.
Primed for casual and formal hosting, the open kitchen balances custom stainless steel cabinetry and service island with the luxurious warmth of corian.
LIGNANO APARTMENT
Client: Giuseppe Lignano
Type: Studio Apartment
Location: West Chelsea, NYC
Size: 500 sf
Design: 2004
Photography: Jason Schmidt
SKYLIGHTS
Client: Private
Type: Residential - Penthouse
Location: Lower East Side, Manhattan
Size: 200SF
Design: 2018
Structure: Silman
Mechanical: FISKAA
THE MARIGNY QUARTERDECK CONDOS
Client: Port Warehouse Partners
Type: Residential Condos
Location: The Marigny, New Orleans
Size: 140,000SF
Design: 2015
Structure: Silman Associates
The Quarterdeck is a residential building in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans. It is located on a large lot along the Mississippi River, previously one of the warehouses lining the river edge. The Quarterdeck is developed to respond with great attention to the fabric of the neighborhood, using the fine grain of the shipping container unit to propose a building as a village or a neighborhood, where residential units are next to, across from and on top of one another, all slightly different, each with its own specific feature and character, all connected through the pedestrian paths—like internal streets. The massing of the Quarterdeck steps back on each side of the lot to minimize vertical impact. The sloped sides are connected at the very top to create a steady structure and to generate larger units. Terraces are provided to all units with the circulation located within the containers on the interior side of the building. This generates a covered and shaded patio area, a sort of interior street reminiscent of the wrought-iron balconies along the streets of the Marigny. Parking is located on the shaded ground within the volume of the Quarterdeck.