WEST VILLAGE MODERN

This project consisted of joining three separate one and two bedroom apartments into one expansive three bedroom for a young family in a post-war West Village building.  Apartment combinations should feel as if they’ve always been one coherent layout.  Given the limitations of 1950's high rises, this can be complicated.  There are existing chases, risers, and columns, and coop rules against wet spaces over dry.  Originally, this apartment was a series of small rooms and smaller hallways.  By merging the rooms and halls, circulation was improved while enlarging the spaces.  A cramped kitchen, once buried in the dark back of the apartment, emerges twice the original size and is now open, spacious and functional, with natural light from the living room. The sleek, custom Italian high-gloss and brushed metal kitchen cabinets become a focal point of the adjoining living space.  A living and dining space over 30' in length was created and results in a common space that feels uncommonly spacious in this type of building . A light sculpture dances across the wall and custom designed by Horrigan O'Malley.  It gives the space a dramatic effect and provides light for the dining area since new ceiling lights were not allowed in this building.  A new foyer with ample coat closets and laundry room was added where once there was only a narrow hall.  Translucent door panels were used to direct natural light into the interior hallway.