A Triangular New York Apartment With a Cylindrical Bathroom Gets a Historically-Sensitive Overhaul

Brooklyn-based architecture firm Worrell Yeung breathes new life into a landmark loft.

Jun 16, 2022 - 18:51
A Triangular New York Apartment With a Cylindrical Bathroom Gets a Historically-Sensitive Overhaul

Brooklyn-based architecture firm Worrell Yeung breathes new life into a landmark loft.

A stone’s throw from Union Square in New York City, a late 19th century garment industry building occupies a triangular slice of the city block. A notable example of Renaissance Revival architecture, the Robert Maynicke-designed building deservedly earned landmark status in 2019 with its classically ornamented facade and dual window-lined frontages.

Designed in 1899 by notable architect Robert Maynicke, the architecturally exemplary loft includes 14 double-hung windows which line the perimeter.

Designed in 1899 by notable architect Robert Maynicke, the architecturally exemplary loft includes 14 double-hung windows which line the perimeter.

Photo by Brooke Holm

Inside, an uninspired full-floor apartment brimmed with potential, but was in need of a total redesign to fit the needs and lifestyle of the home’s current residents. The creative couple—a violinist and an entrepreneur—were eager to embrace the loft’s historic charms, but craved an improved layout that would accommodate many activities at once–like salon music recitals, entertaining, and working from home.

Flexibility was paramount in the apartment’s redesign. The new layout was configured as a series of volumes that can change and adapt based on the clients’ needs. The den can be kept open to the main living area, or closed off with sliding glass and metal doors.

Flexibility was paramount in the apartment’s redesign. The new layout was configured as a series of volumes that can change and adapt based on the clients’ needs. The den can be kept open to the main living area, or closed off with sliding glass and metal doors.

Photo by Brooke Holm

Worrell Yeung leaned into the loft’s unique geometry with details such as the entryway bookcase and the directionality of the flooring’s installation. The bookcase—a custom metal fabrication finished in British matte gold—is a nod to the shifting grid of the New York City streets. The wood flooring—custom hand-finished Northern white oak from Madera—responds perpendicularly to the city grid and creates dynamic moments within the triangular space.

Worrell Yeung leaned into the loft’s unique geometry with details such as the entryway bookcase and the directionality of the flooring’s installation. The bookcase—a custom metal fabrication finished in British matte gold—is a nod to the shifting grid of the New York City streets. The wood flooring—custom hand-finished Northern white oak from Madera—responds perpendicularly to the city grid and creates dynamic moments within the triangular space.

Photo by Brooke Holm

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