Dramatic transformation of an urban duplex

This three-bedroom duplex in TriBeCa, New York was transformed from plain white box into an incredible living space. Owned by a fabric designer, painter and sculptor who purchased the home for $2.5 million, it took 18 months and an additional $2 million to renovate this property into a spectacular work of art. As one enters this 4,200 square foot property through a giant steel door into the elevated foyer they are presented with the centerpiece of the duplex, which is a cast-iron and mahogany staircase welded together inside the home. It is backed by an oxidized copper screen made in the form of a double ellipsis which the owner spent six months crafting by hand.

The Foyer leads to a study through floor to ceiling sliding Japanese style doors with organza inserts between glass panels. The study has hand embroidered metal and silk wall panels with a contemporary design. It is connected to the master bedroom through both the master bathroom and the walk-in closet. The gigantic living room with its 23 foot ceilings resembles an interior courtyard. There are several sitting and lounging areas which are furnished with unique silk upholstered pieces. In one corner is a media area with a giant built-in projector screen. In the other is the large open kitchen with built-in dinning bar for seven.

The entire space opens onto the patio through a floor to ceiling glass wall. The 900 square foot patio is staged by a gigantic 25 foot high sculpture sided by H shaped concrete columns with backlit Plexiglas panels. At the base of the sculpture is a large day-bed. The rest of patio is beautifully planted and furnished and has a heated limestone floor. Just off the living room is the guest suite with its own foyer/dressing area and magical bedroom with Rateau inspired 1930′s hand embroidered silk wall fabrics. The large guest bathroom has a beautiful limestone shower.

This unique piece of property is currently listed for sale at $9,000,000 here.

Photos: Bryan Derballa for The Wall Street Journal

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