The
Periscope
Single Family Ultra-Luxury Apartment
Central Park West
Manhattan, NY
11,000 sf
The Owners approached us to design a large apartment on top of their six story 1930s apartment building. From the roof they had a cherished, though very slight, Central Park view; a key part of their rationale for the project.
After much study, we developed a unique and unexpected approach for an addition that emerges from one of the existing building courtyards, rising to 185’ and cantilevering out like a periscope toward the higher unobstructed park views. It was our zoning and building code experience combined with our creative approach that led to this solution, overcoming many real obstacles.
The design was developed as a ‘glass brownstone in the sky’. It starts with a private street entrance and virtual doorman services. The elevator and all essential services rise to the apartment in a carefully designed compact ‘shaft’. Inside the apartment is wrapped by curtain wall glass on all sides, with balconies and a rooftop garden to enjoy the 360-degree views. A slight twist in the plan on each floor creates subtly distinct views throughout the residence.