Architects transformed an existing Greenwich Village loft in Manhattan into a "private museum / home hybrid." The client, a collector of contemporary art, wanted - along with a comfortable home - enough free wall space to accommodate all the pieces in his collection.
This was in line with the intentions of Ben van Berkel and his bureau: the original space was very spacious, but with a low ceiling, which created dissonance in proportions. After it was divided by smoothly flowing partitions, it acquired more harmonious dimensions. At the same time, very few walls in the apartment are stationary: the space is easily transformable, and each room is connected with others.
The walls of the apartment are a neutral surface, a background for paintings and books, and the ceiling with alternating luminous and matte areas has an organizing role: it emphasizes the boundaries and transitions between different zones.
Open space is key to the project, but its creators also took into account the clear need for small, cozy spaces.
Instead of traditional windows on the south side, panoramic glazing areas have been created, in which spectacular views of Manhattan are "framed". There is also a fully glass balcony.
