Upper East Side Apartment

The long-time residents of this pre-war high-rise apartment decided to expand their home by purchasing two units, one adjacent and the other below, and renovating the combined space. The architectural intention was to create a sense of continuity and openness from the bones of a more traditional apartment layout. By using the walls and ceilings as insertions of planes, the flatness of the relatively low ceilings is mitigated and the space becomes more dynamic, reflective of this family’s active life. The design uses two types of bamboo as a wall, ceiling, flooring and shelving material. The bamboo, with its tight vertical grain, not only defines the spaces, but also gives a sense of warmth and cohesiveness to the apartment. The owners have a spirited collection of objects, and the design provides ample space for display.