Occupying an entire floor of a grand building along the Brooklyn Waterfront, an apartment and its guest house capture sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline.
Grounded in a harmonious blend of soft minimalism and industrial style, this New York residence is designed with fluidity and seamless connections between spaces. Cultivated with quiet restraint, it invites a sense of openness within the 350 m² residence, while framing views of the city’s skyline. The subtle distinction between the private family home and its guest house is defined through Norm Architects’ delicate material layering, which also provides opportunities for privacy and relaxation.
Wrapped with expansive glazing along the home’s perimeter, the vibrant cityscape across the East River is visible from every angle. Norm Architects architect and partner, Peter Eland, further explains, “Large floor-to-ceiling windows enhance the seamless flow between indoors and out, connecting the home to the breathtaking views of the river and Manhattan skyline as well as the lush greenery on the expansive terrace that envelopes the residence.”
The black perforated steel bookcase delineates between the living room and kitchen, allowing natural light to flow between the spaces while storing the owner’s treasured items.
The residence’s perimeters are wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glazing, providing viewpoints of the Manhattan skyline from every angle. Pictured: PP Møbler Flag Halyard chair and Living Divani Extrasoft sofa.
A built-in fireplace framed in Carrara marble is positioned between the concealed TV unit, which continues the minimalist aesthetic of the home.
United with a restrained material palette composed of tactile, muted, and robust materials, the home’s spaces serve as a sanctuary within the city’s dynamic frequency. This tonality is achieved through polished concrete floors, softened by natural materials such as linen curtains and timber elements, including furnishings and cabinetry, thoughtfully integrated throughout. Anchoring the living areas, a bold expression is marked by the tension of black cabinetry in the kitchen, custom-designed by Vipp, which is compact and versatile, cleverly concealing all elements. Industrial touches are introduced through stainless-steel countertops and the black steel perforated bookcase positioned between the kitchen and living room. While designed to delineate the two areas and their functions, the steel partition allows light to continue flowing within the home.
In the connecting office and primary suite, there is a more pronounced transition towards natural timber used for cabinetry, the bed, and walls, offering a comforting withdrawal from the urban environment. “The natural wood draws inspiration from the outdoors, blurring the boundaries between the interior and the surrounding greenery. This connection to nature brings warmth and tranquillity, softening the modern design while fostering a deep sense of well-being and relaxation – transforming the room into a serene retreat,” Eland describes. While in the ensuite, a counterbalance is achieved through the extensive use of cool grey stone slabs, paired with contemporary slimline bathroom fixtures.
This intricate play between natural timbers and robust materials is continued in the guest house through a slight variation in its application in the kitchen, living room, bathroom and office.
Reflecting on the project, Eland concludes by saying, “With its blend of modern design and tactile materials, the Kent Avenue penthouse embodies contemporary elegance and tranquillity, delivering a space that feels both intimate and spacious.”
The penthouse spans the entire floor, thoughtfully arranged into two distinct zones—one dedicated to the private family residence, and the other, a fully equipped guest apartment complete with a kitchen, living room, bedroom, study, and bathroom.
The skylight illuminates the narrow space within the hallway with natural light, continuing the home’s open flow.
The primary suite encompasses a study, bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, and bathroom.
In the en suite, the extensive use of cool grey stone slabs, paired with contemporary slimline bathroom fixtures, provides a counterbalance to the use of timber in the primary bedroom.
Pictured: Knoll MR10 chair designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
In the connecting study and guest bedroom, there is a more pronounced transition to natural timber used for cabinetry, the bed, and walls, offering a comforting withdrawal from the urban environment.
Outside, the lush terrace, sunken lounge and private pool offer an urban retreat for the owners and their guests.
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