Located in a historic downtown New York building, this loft has a challenging long and narrow shape, and the clients had a complex set of requirements: Both husband and wife work from home, they frequently entertain large groups, and they often have overnight guests.

In addition to the kitchen, dining room, living room and master suite, the program included his and her offices, a den, a guestroom, a sitting/TV room, a second guest space, and space for a large book collection. The challenge was to accommodate all these functions within the tight 2,200-square-foot space.

One side of the main corridor is defined by a solid wall that provides separation from the private rooms. The other side is a wood and glass system that sets off semi-private spaces. The glass, which functions as a partition between the semi-private spaces, is two-layered, encasing a semi-transparent fabric that allows natural light from large windows at the west wall to penetrate the interior space.

The small den, which is equipped with a home theater system, is enclosed in glass, with glass sliding doors that allow private TV and movie watching.

Finding room for the book collection was solved by designing a “double loaded” bookshelf system that can be accessed from both sides. The books are lit with under-shelf, recessed linear lighting.

The guest room is separated to allow privacy. The sitting/TV space can transform into a second guest room by opening the sofa bed and drawing curtains over the wood-and-glass enclosure.

The result is a highly efficient, planed space that provides for the clients’ needs and is also luxurious and meticulously detailed.

Location: New York City, Greenwich Village

Area: 2,200 SF