251 E 61st, Treadmill District, NYC

reimagining the townhouse typology: a modern, private urban compound with sub-urban perks

Location: 251 East 61st Street, New York City     Project Size: 5,900 SF  

Project Type: Townhouse and Carriage House contemporary Restoration, Adaptive Reuse (from Mixed-Use to Residential), Underground expansion, Penthouse Addition, Interior Design

 

251 E 61st, NYC

The facade hides a secretive and rare coach house behind that can be reached, from the main house, through the introduction of an underground passageway which doubles as a gallery

61st Street Urban Compound

THE PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

The non-landmarked complex, is located in a dense urban area, adjacent to Treadmill Historic District, it included a mixed use townhouse and a rental coach-house, separated by a barren court, that separated, rather than connect. At first, the complex appeared to be in a mediocre conditions, but a closer investigation revealed that most of the original details were lost and that past fires had compromised the structure. The coach-house façade was just a plywood painted mask with face bricks applied, the rear townhouse façade a collection of mismatched windows and occasional gates. The interior open staircase had been greatly altered to what was just a suggestion what the original was.

 THE PROJECT BRIEF

The client’s request was to restore the original typology into a single family residential compound challenging the townhouse vertical living, expanding it also horizontally. The court level, when the sliding doors are open, transforms into an open floor loft space melting seamlessly the indoor with the serene open-air living room.

 The newly excavated underground level further augments the connection between the buildings via a sky lit gallery flanked by a wine cellar and support spaces

THE TOWNHOUSE 

The two facades of the main townhouse were adorned by fake shutters and the occasional window gates. The restoration of the townhouse entailed new stucco cladding, scored to recall limestone, the contemporary aesthetic also includes new windows and sliding doors assemblies, a corten entrance and a reinterpretation of the lost lintels and cornice, above which lives the addition housing the private Master Bedroom suite. The view from the top floor highlights what luxury is in the City: looking at your own private complex, surrounded by trees

The completed renovation gives back to the Street a whole, substantial Façade that completes the impressive row of historic townhouses that precede it on the East, adding to the quality of the District.

THE COACH HOUSE

The coach house, whose first floor expands seamlessly into the courtyard, also provides the chance to opt for a more suburban living, right in the middle of the city, it is a place for mother, an accessible but separate office, a music room and a place for art, all while looking the trees above through the large skylight, it also includes an elegant spa.

THE UNDERGROUND GALLERY

The newly excavated lower level, which connects the two buildings via a sky lit art-gallery flanked by a wine cellar, offers the alternative of a more suburban mode of living

THE COURT

Both buildings open onto the private court, melting seamlessly the indoor with the serene tranquil, open-air living room, flanked by two similar facades, to enhance the continuity of the spaces, the entire first floor is paved with the same marble tiles. At the top floor glass addition, when the bronze and glass, 18’ wide sliding door assembly doors is open, the room feels like an exterior space, suspended in the green.

THE INTERIORS

The design of the interiors, makes the most of the unique conditions, enhancing all of the characteristics that make “townhouse” living desirable, without the downsides inherent to the compact size, on the interior, the spaces feel wider and luminous,

The design of the interiors enhances the “townhouse” living without the downsides inherent to the compact size, the spaces feel wider and luminous, completely unexpected within the compact 20’ wide structure The open winding stair, characteristic of townhouses, has been reintroduced and reinterpreted, a fritted glass and bronze screen and 20’ high statement marble fireplace rise through the public spaces.

The luxurious interior finishes contribute to a sense of calm and timeless refinement. The exterior detailing complements the interior design of the space.

 THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

TRA studio has been instrumental in collaborating with the client, working in a shared project management capacity. TRA has been responsible for preparing and continuously updating the project schedule and preparing shop drawings. TRA’s expanded site supervision participation, facilitated employing passive sustainable strategies.

“your project 61st Street Townhouse has been selected as one of the Best on Archilovers 2018, as it upholds our high standards for aesthetics, functionality and creativity!”