472 Greenwich St by Studio Esnal
“Originally built as a Worcestershire sauce warehouse, this apartment is contemporary living at its finest, while preserving a connection to the rich industrial and artistic history of the building and neighborhood, bordering the dynamic Hudson River Park.
To restore the original loft openness, this full gut renovation involved a complete layout change, including relocating the kitchen, bedrooms and bathroom along with complete new plumbing. The renovation carefully considered every inch of space, opening the ceiling to an abundance of light with fully operable skylights, and visually expanding its 1200 square feet. Throughout the space, functional items are treated as artistic installations, reflective of the client’s personality.
In the living room, one skylight becomes a lamp above the sitting area. Parallel to the kitchen is a stainless steel kitchen workbench of the same dimensions of the large skylight above it. The skylight is fully furred with mirror to multiply reflections and light, providing an ethereal effect. An on-site mobile installation, created by Ines Esnal, hangs within the third skylight in the baby’s bedroom. The mobile is made of vibrant color Plexiglas shapes that transform the flowing natural light into magic clouds of color.
Exposing the original brick wall, references the apartment’s industrial history. Carrying that industrial aesthetic to the modern is the exposed air conditioner in the living area. The duct is painted white and, in lieu of traditional grilles, holes are punched in the steel which are accentuated using colored tubing. The effect further highlights the modern, creative, industrial aesthetic throughout the apartment.
The magnetized chalkboard walls and dry erase sliding cupboard doors enable areas not usually used to become creative work spaces. A metal shelving transforms the hallway into a library, optimizing the use of the space. A custom perforated stainless steel laundry door allows for required ventilation while becoming a diffuse light source in the hallway.
The bathroom is a minimalist space where grouts are minimized using floor-to-ceiling tiles. The window sill inside the shower serves as a bench and storage of bathroom accessories.
Stainless steel is a recurrent material through the apartment; the floating kitchen, table counters, window sills – all combined with a warm oak floor.”
Photos by: Studio Esnal & Miguel de Guzmán
