In a building designed in 1966 by Wallace Harrison and Max Abramovitz, UN Plaza Duplex apartment is an example of good Interior Architecture, and quality execution that has lasted 45 years. The interior’s modern approach reflected the character of the tower facades which are in the Miesian tradition of sharp lines. This project was one of the first on the east side on Manhattan to have the twin tower Residential design following the lead of projects on Central Park West, and the first Project that utilized mostly glass facades.
There was an immediate feeling of a well-balanced layout upon seeing the space. Yes, good Architecture can stand the test of time. The place needed a complete upgrade in every aspect but had still kept its charm. The Client was starting a new chapter in his life and he fell in love with this Modernist concept. We conceived the apartment as a continuous space strategically delimited by freestanding volumes (that contain columns and pipes) all sitting on a large white marble floor, with walls that created separation but also unity, some that limited and closed off a space, and others that defined it.
There was a good-sized galley kitchen, but not functional. We wanted to create an eat-in kitchen. This was accomplished by moving the sink on the opposite wall where we located all base cabinet units, cooktop, sink, dishwasher on one side, and all the tall units, storage and refrigerator, on the opposite wall with an amazing result. We transformed the wall between Kitchen and dining area as a storage unit for China with large sliding doors and some fixed panels to cover building pipes.
The dining area is delineated in 3 different blocks: china closet, the unit that separates dining area from gallery, coat closet, and the large block that becomes the core of the lower level: The Fireplace. The location on the edge of the East River with unobstructed North, East and South views from each room, lead us to the decision to keep furniture, storage units etc. to a minimum and concealed behind sliding panels.
We kept the original spiral staircase but created a new parapet and rail along the curved wall. The effect of the spiral doubles as an optical illusion, but also enhances the functionality of the staircase, leading to a beautiful bleached zebra wood floor throughout the upper level. With the same concept of the open layout we enclosed the large walk in closet along the window with an all glass structure include the closet door. We achieved a great amount of light coming in the corridor of the upper level and suddenly the space looked much larger and luminous even in places before that were very dark. The Master Bathroom was created by combining one large bathroom, and two small ones, to one large luxury spa with a steam shower, Boffi tub for two, and sauna. All enriched with white Thassos large marble on floors and walls.
The corridor leading to the walk-in closet leads to the media room on one side and the sitting area and master bedroom on the other, all flanked with large windows drenched with light. The choice of our layout, materials, and colors, gives a feeling of an even larger and palatial home. With the Client’s artwork selection, the overall mood of the space, is modern but very comfortable and chic.
