1100 Architect
The owners of a duplex, elegantly remodeled by local firm 1100 Architect, were able to purchase the 800-square-foot flat just above it several years later. Undoubtedly pleased with the firm’s earlier transformation, they commissioned the firm again to convert the annexed unit into a guest suite and a “retreat where the client can work.” Following a popular fashion when this prewar building was constructed, the unit had a “sunken” living room, four steps below entry level. The architects took down barriers around the perimeter and celebrated the level change with broad flights of steps. For access below, a compact, twisting stairway was inserted.
The treatment of the added flat is admirably consistent with the duplex below. Here, too, are walls of uniform white-lacquered panels, some of which open—in this case for access to the bedroom and bath and to reveal a wet-bar niche lined in vivid red. Reflective white surfaces make the most of abundant daylight and of indirect lighting diffused across them after dark. Through meticulous detailing, some planes appear to be paper thin. “Even though the language is familiar to us,” observed juror Cary Bernstein, “it doesn’t feel predictable. And the execution is just great.”
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Drawings
Project Credits
Project Manhattan Triplex, New York
Architect 1100 Architect, New York— David Piscuskas, FAIA
General Contractor Lennie Construction—Lenny Leone
Photography Michael Moran
Project Size 800 square feet
Construction Cost Withheld
Materials and Sources
Bathroom Cabinets Lennie Construction (custom work)
Bathroom Fittings Vola vola.com
Bathroom Fixtures ATTA
Cooktop Gaggenau gaggenau.com
Countertops Custom
Dishwasher Miele mieleusa.com
Doors Custom
Flooring Existing (refinished); Kasthall (carpet) kasthall.com
Hardware FSB fsb.de
HVAC Mitsubishi mehvac.com
Kitchen Cabinets Custom
Kitchen Fittings Vola vola.com
Kitchen Fixtures Custom
Lighting Fixtures AL Lighting allightingltd.com
Paints and Finishes Benjamin Moore & Co. benjaminmoore.com
Refrigerator Sub-Zero subzero-wolf.com
Windows Custom