Residential
Park Avenue Apartment
Project Information
At FdM:Arch, we continually seek out novel approaches for rethinking residential spaces. For this Park Avenue apartment, the clients’ request for a renovation with a modern aesthetic, all within the confines of a traditional setting, resulted in a “warm modern” look. A striking bookcase feature that separated library from living room inspired the nickname “Bookcase Apartment.”
Materials and fabrics were deliberately chosen to mediate between contemporary and classic. New doors and windows were inserted into the existing fabric, so that they extend beyond the walls on both sides, are captured by the continuous basement and then link to the next new element.
The wall between the library and living room was replaced by an elliptical shelving and media cabinet, also known as “the bookcase.” This made the library room a subset of the expanded living room, in turn fostering depth. A double-height space was opened at the entry foyer to allow for a larger, welcoming staircase.
Project Images
Process Images
Project Details
- Place New York, NY
- Date 1991
- Area 3,900 SF
- Architect Francois de Menil Architect, PC
- Lighting Francois de Menil Architect, PC
- Contractor Peter Diefenbach