Striking six-story townhouse in TriBeCa’s West Historic District

While Wayne Turett of Turett Collaborative Architects had been developing feasibility studies for this site, a charming and well-loved corner of West Broadway in Tribeca, New York, the present owners asked him if he knew of any townhouses they might purchase – and a deal was made. “This building enabled us to build exactly what we were looking for – and then some,” the client noted.

Developers of multi-unit condo towers had long admired the location with its 120′ of frontage, but balked at the limitations in height and use placed on it by the city’s preservationists. The audacity of suggesting that this parcel could become a single-family house is its genius; at almost 11,000 square-feet, it is large but consistent with luxury homes elsewhere in the city. The final plan was approved by the Landmarks Commission with the requirement that TCA meticulously restore the low corner portion of the historic structure, while the less historically interesting southern portion could become a new six-story tower, detailed, fenestrated, and finished to sit comfortably and elegantly in its context.

The home features a two-car loading dock, a 50-foot indoor lap pool, indoor gym, library, screening room and offices for both owners in addition to 6 bedrooms and 11 baths. On the second floor a kitchen, dining room, living room and poolroom overlook a sunken landscaped courtyard with steps up to the larger main garden on the third floor.

Photos: Paul Warchol Photography

Modern penthouse makes ultimate city escape

Designed by Turett Collaborative Architects for a single owner, this 2,400 square foot triplex apartment in a new condominium development on the Upper East Side, New York is full of air and light. Working closely with the building architects, TCA has designed a soaring, dramatic space with double-height entry foyer and a large living room with a custom fire trough that runs along the length of the space. A unique feature of the condominium is the two-story Vals quartzite stone wall that runs along the west side of the apartment, with stones that were handpicked by the owner and architect from a remote Swiss quarry. Cantilevered built-in shelves create a table and night stand, while niches in the stone wall are reserved for the client’s various toiletries.

Other striking features of this incredible penthouse are the stairs, made of black oxidized steel, which tie the three levels of the home together. Near the top, the steps lead to a “bridge” suspended over three stories, providing a dramatic view of the space. A clear glass box containing a full bathroom resides between the master bedroom and the study on the second level; when privacy is required, an inner layer of the glass can be activated to turn the walls opaque. On the third level, a lounge looks out onto an idyllic landscaped roof terrace and sun-deck; the ultimate escape from the city.

Stair tread detail. They cast warm, orange-tinted shadows through the halls.

A detail of the faucets in the trough sink.

Photos: Travis Dubreuil

Townhouse remodel in historic Greenwich Village

This four story townhouse at 67 Charles has been designed by Turett Collaborative Architects, situated on a charming tree lined block in the heart of the original Greenwich Village Historic District in New York City. Originally constructed as one of a series of three rowhouses in 1867 by Bartlett Smith, the brownstone facade and painted wood cornice is a typical example of the French Second Empire style common to rowhouses built in that period. While the front facade has remained relatively unchanged throughout the building’s history, the 4,070 square foot interior has seen several renovations throughout the years which were less than kind to its historic bones.

Several historic details on the parlor level including base and crown mouldings, a ceiling medallion, and fireplace mantles throughout the house had managed to survive. These historic elements were very dear to the clients, yet they also recognized the value of contemporary space planning, details, and amenities. Their design directive to TCA was threefold: to preserve these historic elements; to create a dialogue between these preserved elements and a decidedly contemporary envelope; and to create a functioning layout complete with modern amenities that would serve the family into the future. In response, TCA created an architectural language to highlight the moments where old and new would interact.

Original base and crown mouldings appear to pass through glass entry vestibules at both the garden and parlor levels. Recessed metal reveals encircle the perimeter of preserved fireplace mantles demarcating old and new. A modern chandelier is juxtaposed against a restored ceiling medallion. Door jambs lined in non-directional stainless steel discreetly celebrate the use of contemporary reveals, without diminishing the texture and finesse that the owners so cherished in the preserved original mouldings. The new home demonstrates at every scale how the old and new can complement and enhance each other.

Photos: Courtesy of Turett Collaborative Architects