Located at the top of a brownstone on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, the footprint was a tiny 425 square feet, but the space stretched vertically for approximately 25 feet, and had access to a roof terrace. As it existed, the arrangement was so awkward that there wasn’t even a reasonable place to locate a bed or a couch. This apartment was one of the most unusual residential renovation projects we’ve ever been involved with.
![]()
Given the miniscule size of the apartment, every inch of space is put to use. The hardest part is to provide an uncluttered environment and create as much space as possible using smart methods. It’s more difficult to expand and make a house look more spacious than it actually is. This is why transforming micro-lofts and adapting them it’s never an easy job. Materials throughout are selected to emphasize the spatial characteristics of the project. The perimeter is light, with painted (existing) brick, glass backsplashes and shelving, and white lacquered kitchen cabinets, stair cabinets, and fittings. The cantilevered bed pavilion is clad in dark wood, and anchors the space – a central object around which everything revolves.
The main bath and shower, in fact, are also built below the primary staircase. The kitchen featured fully concealed appliances, flip up high storage units for easy access, and a countertop that wraps into the main living space, becoming a virtual “hearth” with built-in entertainment system. There are no traditional closets in the entire apartment.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
Given the miniscule size of the apartment, every inch of space is put to use. The hardest part is to provide an uncluttered environment and create as much space as possible using smart methods. It’s more difficult to expand and make a house look more spacious than it actually is. This is why transforming micro-lofts and adapting them it’s never an easy job. Materials throughout are selected to emphasize the spatial characteristics of the project. The perimeter is light, with painted (existing) brick, glass backsplashes and shelving, and white lacquered kitchen cabinets, stair cabinets, and fittings. The cantilevered bed pavilion is clad in dark wood, and anchors the space – a central object around which everything revolves.
The main bath and shower, in fact, are also built below the primary staircase. The kitchen featured fully concealed appliances, flip up high storage units for easy access, and a countertop that wraps into the main living space, becoming a virtual “hearth” with built-in entertainment system. There are no traditional closets in the entire apartment.
