HULINGS-DIAMOND RESIDENCE where color, light, and music come to life
by Barbara Lewandowska . Lewandowska Architect PLLC . March 2010
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HULINGS-DIAMOND RESIDENCE
HULINGS-DIAMOND RESIDENCE
LEWANDOWSKA
ARCHITECT
PLLC
This project is a complete renovation of a 2,000 SF Midtown apartment for an art loving couple and their son. It is located in a prewar building, and is a combination of two apartments into one large dwelling with three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, living/family room, an open living, dining, kitchen area, and two distinct work areas are provided, as both husband and wife work from home.
HULINGS-DIAMOND RESIDENCE
This apartment is designed to be a home, a gallery, and an inspiring work environment for the family. As one enters the apartment, a 55 Ft long gallery stretches from East to West and connects different parts of the apartment. The gallery not only organizes the home, but evokes a feeling of walking through a museum while respecting the traditional layout of a prewar building. The apartment walls provide surface to exhibit sketches, paintings, posters, opera scripts and books.
LEWANDOWSKA
ARCHITECT
PLLC
HULINGS-DIAMOND RESIDENCE
HULINGS-DIAMOND RESIDENCE Perpendicular to the axis of the gallery is the main open living area which also serves as work, dining and it includes kitchen. Inspired by New Mexico sunsets, which is where the couple is originally from, this area is designed using color and light as an organizing tool. Translucent art glass panels divide and connect different functions while providing its main focus. The light is used to animate the panels, transforming them to an ever changing landscape. Symbolic reflections off the panels are materialized by back painted glass sheets and tiles adhered to surrounding walls.
HULINGS-DIAMOND RESIDENCE Thus the entire space is engaged in a dialogue, while proper backdrop is given to a significant collection of Biordi dishes. The panels are asymmetrically framed with dark walnut. While the rhythm for the divisions is generated by window frames and the building module, it symbolizes musical notes.
LEWANDOWSKA
ARCHITECT
PLLC
As one continues through the gallery, a second, more intimate living area is provided, which also serves as an expansion space for larger events.
HULINGS-DIAMOND RESIDENCE
LEWANDOWSKA
ARCHITECT
PLLC
HULINGS-DIAMOND RESIDENCE
HULINGS-DIAMOND RESIDENCE
HULINGS-DIAMOND RESIDENCE
LEWANDOWSKA
ARCHITECT
PLLC
The careful selection of materials is focused on minimizing ecological footprint of this construction on the environment, while providing a sense of luxury. With vigorous support of the owners, whose commitment to conserve, reuse and recycle was pronounced from day one, ecologically responsible materials were developed uniquely for this project. Notably, kitchen counters are custom made concrete slabs, which have post-consumer recycled glass of various colors to resemble the palette used in the art glass walls. Stained wheat board with no formaldehyde is used for office and kitchen millwork. The exposed grain of wheat board adds unique texture to the surface of the cabinets, while porcelain tiles, which have recycled content, ensure easy maintenance and durability.
HULINGS-DIAMOND RESIDENCE
HULINGS-DIAMOND RESIDENCE
CREDITS
ARCHITECT
Hulings-Diamond Residence Midtown West, New York City
Architect
Lewandowska Architect PLLC www.LewandowskaArchitect.com
Contractor
RK Remodeling
Glass Artist
Studio J
Concrete
Dex Studios
Porcelain Tiles
Stone Source
Area
2,000 GSF
Completed
December 2009
PLLC
LEWANDOWSKA
Project