The penthouse, built in 1968 overlooking the Central Park Zoo, was designed as a residential "greenhouse." Deemed outdated and too small for the Owner, a prominent fashion designer, and his growing family, the team was charged with a complete transformation of the aesthetic, interior materiality, and overall penthouse layout and enclosure. Working closely with NYC Landmarks Commission, and through a re-ordering of space, we were able to double the habitable square footage to 5000 sf. This was achieved by relocating the base building water tank to the upper level of its existing enclosure and capturing the resultant space within the penthouse. In addition, by weaving interior space around base building stairs and bulkheads, we were able to enclose portions of the existing terraces into the interior composition. Base building mechanical equipment was relocated to the new upper roof of the penthouse.

The interior configuration includes a double-height Great Room for entertaining on the east, with upstairs master suite and nursery accessed by a 3 storey floating glass -

stair. The single storey family living room and bedroom wing wraps around the west and north sides of the stair and bulkheads.

The team envisioned the structural envelope of the penthouse as a neutral enclosure that allows in the magnificent views of New York City. L+AA re-imagined the exterior enclosure as a series of minimal frames holding expansive glass with state of-the-art sun shading properties. We investigated the use of a BIPV (building integrated photovoltaic) thin film system at the western facade for its energy producing potential.

Other sustainable strategies: Hydronic radiant heating will be installed throughout all 3 floors. The “minimal” detailed interior incorporates only renewable materials such as wide plank maple flooring, recycled glass and ceramic tiling, bamboo cabinetry, concrete countertops. The project has been designed to meet a LEED platinum level goal.