512 West 22nd Street

512 West 22nd Street is inspired by both its proximity to High Line and principles of biophilic design. Its location provides visual and physical connections to nature on the High Line and views of the Hudson River beyond. Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification and foster an office environment connected with the natural world, 512 West 22nd Street sets new standards of health and productivity in the workplace.

The building has been designed according to principles of biophilia and considering human health; it encourages occupants to be outdoors on generously planted terraces, rooftop and staircase spaces. In fact, the planted areas represent 110% of the footprint of the building, i.e., greater area than the site itself.  512 West 22nd Street features over 15,000 square feet of outdoor space for occupant use. 

Located adjacent to the “Chelsea Thicket” portion of the High Line, landscaped terraces are cut into the building's profile on every floor, integrating nature into the workplace and offering intimate views of the adjacent trees and planted spaces. Along the High Line, continuous stepped terraces from levels two to four are designed for outdoor circulation, events, and other uses by tenants. At the second and third floors, the branches of the thicket meet the overhang above, merging into a canopy. Ascending to the fourth floor terrace and rising above the tree line opens sightlines to the city and Hudson River beyond.

512 West 22nd Street is designed to exceed all current energy and resiliency regulations for New York City.  The 15,000 square feet of landscaped terraces collect rainwater which is filtered and reused for irrigation and toilet flushing while the exterior wall is designed to exceed the NYC Zone Green high-performance exterior wall criteria.  Due to the building site being within the NYC Flood Hazard zone, the design of the building includes a variety of resiliency measures including dry-flood proofing, life safety and critical infrastructure moved above the flood zone and an oversized emergency generator ensuring power for life safety and tenant needs.

The exposed concrete and terra cotta recall the historical infrastructure and warehouses found throughout the neighborhood, and the crisp contemporary design that defines West Chelsea. Its materiality and form echo the High Line’s aesthetic, with industrial sash-inspired windows, and black glazed terra cotta, patinaed zinc, and flamed granite façade. The deep, rolling profile of the terra cotta casts a continually changing shadows that lends dimension and depth to the façade.  The black glaze reflects light differently throughout the day and can appear as a blackened metal, burnished graphite, or tarnished silver. Patinaed zinc, used as both a double-lock standing seam and a corrugated panel, absorb the light and soften the shadows to create a rhythmic biophilic pattern across the façade. The curved windows, with ultra-clear low iron glass and low-e coating, wrap the facade providing uninterrupted views across the city.  The ribbon windows feature operable windows providing occupants more direct control of their environment and access to outdoor air.

Email interview conducted by John Hill.