12 West 27th St. 17th floor
New York City 10001
phone (212) 337-1002
Located on a site overlooking 87 acres of rolling meadows and woodlands, this 3,500 square foot ‘contemporary farmhouse’ was designed to take advantage of the breath-taking views while minimizing site disturbance. Sightlines to the valley beyond are directed and framed by the rhythmic pattern of large windows and transoms, in combination with single sloped roofs. Exterior finishes, including lead-coated copper standing seam roofs, patterned board and batten walls, and cedar siding, were selected to blend into the natural surrounding.
A complimentary combination of colors and materials were used on the interior of the house. The open spatial organization maximizes opportunities for natural ventilation, passive-solar heating and day-lighting throughout the house.
A 1970’s modernist house, located in upstate New York, was purchased by a young family for a weekend retreat. The house was a two-story cube atop a bare hill, clad in weathered cedar plank, with oversized windows and doors. An existing double-height open volume, with sleeping lofts, created a dramatic space impractical for their needs.
Leo J. Blackman Architects designed a modest single-story addition that extends the original house, yet defers to it. The new construction, clad in painted cedar clapboard, defines a south-facing courtyard, and full-height glazing opens the dining room to views of an adjacent horse farm. The addition’s large roof overhang provides shading and its planted surface conserves energy and water. The main house will receive photovoltaic panels.
Renovations and additions were made to accommodate the needs of the owner of a c.1810 shingled farm house in the historic village of East Hampton. The central staircase was reversed to provide better access to a new master bedroom and bath, built above the kitchen, and the first floor interior living spaces were expanded with the addition of a new screen porch. The cedar-clad roof, featuring shed dormers, and appropriately scaled, double-hung windows reflect the East End vernacular, as do the simple painted details on the interior. This project was published in Martha Stewart Living.
A 900 square foot tenement apartment in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood was renovated as a loft. Living spaces have exposed wood beams, ebonized wood floors, and cement wall panels floating in front of the exposed brick. The primary bedroom is defined by custom maple and fiberglass sliding panels, a high woven-grass wainscot, and cork tile. Built-in shelves and cabinets provide storage while making efficient use of limited space, and translucent panels on doors and walls offer both privacy and filtered light. The bath is an abstract composition of brightly colored glass and ceramic tiles.
This duplex penthouse apartment was renovated for two graphic designers. Located in a post-war building with a terrace overlooking historic Grace Church Broadway, the interior was reorganized for better functionality and designed to complement the owners’ collections of pottery and paintings. Mosaic tile work in the kitchen and bathrooms picks up on the colors of displayed ceramics. New painted soffits define separate spaces within the open living area.
A 1200 square foot pre-war apartment in Greenwich Village was renovated to improve sight lines and circulation without losing original character and details. The wall between the dining room and galley kitchen was removed, and new painted custom cabinets define working and eating zones in the open space. Central air conditioning was discretely inserted, with the primary duct concealed above a paneled hall ceiling.
A sprawling pre-war upper west side apartment off Central Park was re-invigorated to reflect its energetic owner. A maid’s room, small kitchen, and dining room were combined to form an open space for cooking and entertaining. A large island (with glass-enclosed plumbing risers at its center) provides a surfeit of storage, prep, and serving space. Painted wood cabinets, stone and stainless steel counters, colorful cork floors, antiques, and acrylic chandeliers establish a balance between function and fun.
This 1000 square foot pre-war apartment in Washington Heights was transformed to create a calm, zen-inspired environment. Emphasizing efficient use of space, the home-office alcove disappears behind translucent sliding panels (elsewhere, employed to insulate exterior steel casement windows). A cozy bedroom is fully lined with mahogany storage units and shelving. The spa-like bath has two sinks, a large shower, and a range of natural materials - glass, slate, porcelain tile and mahogany - are employed.