With a lack of natural light, odd layout and tiny bedrooms, this SoHo fourth floor walk-up is a challenging space. Because of its setbacks, this two bedroom unit on Prince Street is a deal for the neighborhood and architect Adam Kushner tackles the theoretical design with bold ideas...
Kushner, of Kushner Studios Architecture & Design radically alters the floor plan. He adds exterior windows (including one in the new shower) to the back of the building and redesigns the fire escape. There are many ideas for altering a space. Because of the apartment's small size, the cost of renovation and remodel is not excessive. Check out the theoretical design in Sketch Pad: A Shower Stall With a View. There is also an audio slide show with the architect.
(Pics: Ruby Washington, Kushner Studios Architecture & Design)
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
I think if I were buying this apartment and the architect suggested to me, "Cut a hole in the building and stick your bed in it and put a skylight right over your face so that when there's a driving rain it can beat down right on your head. I've done this before and it works," I would just stare at him for a long time.
view Melinda's profile
I'm apartment hunting and saw this apartment. It is not inspiring and this architect certainly has vision. BUT can you really punch holes in your apartment willy-nilly? And can you really turn your fire escape into a balcony, complete with huge rolling glass doors?
Wouldn't the condo board have something to say about taht?
view Kah's profile
Perfect for the little ballerina in you!
Why would someone turn a tiny "two bedroom" apartment into a tiny studio? It's one thing if this was a studio space to begin with, but you are essentially halving the market value of this apartment by eliminating the bedrooms.
view hejiranyc's profile
And who can sleep knowing your upstairs neighbor can peer down right at you? Sleeping under the stars may work in a different location, but this was a bizarre plan for such close quarters. I doubt a co-op board would even consider the idea.
view Trish's profile
I thought it was against NYC codes to hang out on fire escapes... I know it is against our co-op's house rules for sure.
view addy's profile
It definitely is. My building management told me to stay off of mine. And then when i was out there one day (natch) i noticed this great old embossed metal sign hanging on it that warns that anyone setting anything on the fire escape will be punished... with a $10 fine. Wonder if that price still holds....
view eebnyc's profile
When I lived in NYC the constant interaction with other people all day long was really exhausting. Coming home was a necessary relief, and privacy was key. Having a bedroom and a shower where I could be seen would have driven me completely batty.
I think I would be very frustrated with an architect who came up with a completely unrealistic plan as well. If we're going to be completely unrealistic, why not start with a bigger apartment with higher ceilings and an elevator? For the money it would cost to pay off the co-op board and the city and pay to construct this idea, you could probably afford a place that had all of those things. Then you wouldn't need to hire an architect or a contractor.
view SFGail's profile