The White Snake / Space4architecture

The White Snake / Space4architecture - WindowsThe White Snake / Space4architecture - Stairs, HandrailThe White Snake / Space4architecture - Facade, GlassThe White Snake / Space4architecture - Windows, Glass, FacadeThe White Snake / Space4architecture - More Images+ 15

  • Architects: Space4architecture
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  5000 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2015
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Beatrice Pediconi
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Dornbracht, Aamsco Lighting, Inc., Flynn, Flynn Custom Wood Floor, GD Cucine, Optimum
  • Team: Michele Busiri Vici, Clementina Ruggieri, Pino Pavese, Gabriela Bruno, Chase Kaars, Matteo Biasiolo
  • Architect In Charge: Michele Busiri Vici
  • City: New York
  • Country: United States
More SpecsLess Specs
The White Snake / Space4architecture - Windows, Glass, Facade
© Beatrice Pediconi

Text description provided by the architects. Our challenge for this project was to create spatial continuity within a narrow historic townhouse in the Upper West Side of New York City.

The White Snake / Space4architecture - Windows
© Beatrice Pediconi
Basement and First Floor Plan
The White Snake / Space4architecture - Sofa, Windows
© Beatrice Pediconi

Our clients, a young couple with two small children, had always lived on a single floor New York apartment. Intrigued, yet uncertain of the different lifestyle their newly acquired 5 story townhouse had to offer, we proposed, in a similar manner modern day apartments do, a fluid and open space throughout the floors.

Section

Our design intention was to recall the concept of a loft, in this case a vertical loft. To emphasize this feeling of ' openness', we had to work simultaneously on a horizontal and vertical plane.

The White Snake / Space4architecture - Stairs, Handrail
© Beatrice Pediconi

Horizontally we enlarged the first two levels towards the rear garden and fully glazed the back facade to provide continuity between the interior and exterior. While vertically we designed a spacious and evolving staircase, around which the proposed program hinges and the five floors are connected. The staircase's white oak treads are laterally wrapped by a curved, pristine white solid parapet. At the lower levels, where the most public spaces are located, such as the entry hall, kitchen and living room, the staircase is very generous and exposes it's L-shape configuration to it's surrounding. While it winds up the upper floor, the configuration transforms and tightens into a U- shape to provide maximum floor area where the bedrooms, bathrooms and study spaces are located.

The White Snake / Space4architecture - Facade, Glass
© Beatrice Pediconi

The stair ends on the fifth floor, which is a new addition that accommodates a private lounge where our clients can entertain their guests while having uninterrupted views of north and south Manhattan.

The White Snake / Space4architecture - Stairs, Handrail
© Beatrice Pediconi

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Manhattan, New York, NY, United States

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "The White Snake / Space4architecture" 08 Apr 2017. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/868114/the-white-snake-space4architecture> ISSN 0719-8884

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.