Lower East Side, NY

This new construction condo in the lower east side of Manhattan has been transformed from a blank canvas into a modern sanctuary amidst the city's relentless energy. Working on a new build presented a fresh set of challenges compared to historic or established residential spaces. Unlike historic homes, where existing characteristics guide the design, this project required creating a unique character from scratch. In this case, the clients became the primary source of inspiration, with the couple’s vision of a "modern treehouse" guiding the design to blend warmth and personality with the stark austerity of the new construction. Inspired by the notion of a treehouse — typically nestled in serene, wooded environments—the goal was to bring that same feeling of refuge and shelter into a bustling urban setting. Natural materials played a crucial role in achieving this. Central to the design is a comprehensive and intuitive millwork program, custom-designed to enhance both storage and aesthetics, addressing the apartment’s unique challenge: not a single wall is perfectly straight.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was navigating the apartment’s angular layout to integrate millwork that both softened the space and introduced a calm sense. Each custom piece was designed to enhance the apartment’s unique shape, subtly guiding the eye, tracing the footprint while creating a reassuring backdrop. 

Photography: Nicole Franzen Featured on The Local Project