Utecht
Location: Manhattan
Type: Private Residence
Area: 1,100 sq ft
In Manhattan’s notorious real estate market, every square inch counts. After studying this compartmentalized one-bedroom apartment near Columbus Circle, we realized the odd, underutilized storage space off the foyer presented a rare opportunity to expand the program without increasing the footprint. Untouched since the 1980s, the apartment required a contemporary interior that replaced the broken cabinetry, faux-brass finishes, and damaged parquet floors with natural materials and sleek lighting.
Creating a new opening between the former storage space and the bedroom transforms the former into an accessible, comfortable office filled with natural light from the bedroom windows. Rift white oak floor-to-ceiling panels easily connect or close off the two spaces. Within the bedroom, the panels resemble a wall; within the office, integrated shelving transforms them into bookcases. On the perpendicular bedroom wall, a new door opens onto the run of north-facing windows. New rift white oak millwork spans the wall, concealing an existing structural column while preserving the access to natural light and scenic sightlines. One panel opens to reveal a peek-a-boo bar, a special request by the owner.
The apartment is backed by an expanse of windows overlooking the city. We removed the existing walls between the then-enclosed alley kitchen and the living room, eliminating the physical barriers that once blocked natural light and Central Park views from penetrating deep into the now open kitchen and living space. A palette of oak floors, light oak millwork, and hidden storage reinforces the light and airy environment. In the kitchen, new, expanded counters are white quartzite with blue-gray striations that adds subtle warmth to the otherwise neutral palette. Improving lighting in the postwar building posed a particular challenge as the concrete ceiling couldn’t be adjusted. Instead, sleek track lighting and slim pendant bars are integrated in key areas like over the counter worktops and under the kitchen cabinetry.
Creating a new opening between the former storage space and the bedroom transforms the former into an accessible, comfortable office filled with natural light from the bedroom windows. Rift white oak floor-to-ceiling panels easily connect or close off the two spaces. Within the bedroom, the panels resemble a wall; within the office, integrated shelving transforms them into bookcases. On the perpendicular bedroom wall, a new door opens onto the run of north-facing windows. New rift white oak millwork spans the wall, concealing an existing structural column while preserving the access to natural light and scenic sightlines. One panel opens to reveal a peek-a-boo bar, a special request by the owner.
The apartment is backed by an expanse of windows overlooking the city. We removed the existing walls between the then-enclosed alley kitchen and the living room, eliminating the physical barriers that once blocked natural light and Central Park views from penetrating deep into the now open kitchen and living space. A palette of oak floors, light oak millwork, and hidden storage reinforces the light and airy environment. In the kitchen, new, expanded counters are white quartzite with blue-gray striations that adds subtle warmth to the otherwise neutral palette. Improving lighting in the postwar building posed a particular challenge as the concrete ceiling couldn’t be adjusted. Instead, sleek track lighting and slim pendant bars are integrated in key areas like over the counter worktops and under the kitchen cabinetry.
Photography: Bojune Kwon