FLATIRON APARTMENT
When an architect is building a house from scratch, he starts from the ground up - site and budget enter into the equation, but the structure itself is a blank slate. Conversely, when an architect renovates an existing space, his design is confined by the original layout and character of the interior. Such was the case with the consolidation and renovation of several 1970s-era apartments in downtown Manhattan.
Originally built on a triangular wedge of land, the apartment building itself is wedge-shaped. A long diagonal hallway and unusually shaped interior spaces presented design challenges during the renovation. As a result of the time period in which the building was constructed, the interior is bounded by concrete walls and low ceilings. To compensate for the lack of vertical space, DWA introduced horizontal detailing, such as custom rift oak paneling.
Despite the initial design constraints, the completed renovation yielded an interior rich with texture and detail, showcasing custom light fixtures and mid-century antiques by many notable furniture designers.
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