S9 Architecture

160 East 22nd Street

S9 Architecture

12. June 2017

Photo © S9 Architecture / Miguel de Guzman

S9 Architecture, though a relatively young firm, is very busy, with numerous projects in design and under construction, most of them in and around New York City, where they are based. For this week's Building of the Week, S9 Architecture sent us some text and images of 160 East 22nd Street, a residential building in Manhattan's Gramercy Park neighborhood that stands out for its asymmetrical stacking and daring cantilever over its neighbor to the south.

Location: 160 East 22nd Street, New York City
Client: Toll Brothers City Living
Architect: S9 Architecture
Architects in Charge: Navid Maqami, John Clifford
Installation Artist: Ines Esnal

Photo © S9 Architecture / Miguel de Guzman

Located in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of Manhattan, 160 East 22nd Street is a 21-story, 84-unit condominium apartment building. In addition to luxury residences, the building includes ground loor retail space.

The design is based on a modern interpretation of the elegant and timeless classic pre-war apartment buildings in the neighborhood. The limestone-clad building's massing is sculpted to incorporate a 24-foot cantilever, and punctuated with alternating deep set fenestration pattern. The building's dramatic signature cantilever was conceived to successfully incorporate additional development rights purchased by the property; while the required setbacks were incorporated into the composition, allowing the top level apartment units to enjoy access to terraces.

As with the exterior design, the interior is comprised of classical proportions and contemporary character. A well balanced variation of noble materials and details throughout the building creates a sleek style with a touch of luxury vintage, all executed by local craftsmen. Millwork details in the lobby and apartment units accentuate a sophisticated traditional touch, while the muted natural elements and white spaces stage the perfect backdrop for the owners' eclectic styles.

Overall, 160 East 22nd Street's design aims to blend classic contemporary lines with historic contextual influences, resolving complex vernacular New York City regulations, while meeting the fine aesthetic and pragmatic needs of its end users.