KSQ segmented the seven-story building into scaled panels with a strong horizontal line at the top of the fifth level. The sixth and seventh levels step back for the penthouse to minimize the sense of height. Architectural elements such as cement stucco and a window wall further break down the scale and visually integrate 360 Smith Street into the neighborhood. The building sitting directly over the subway presented unique project challenges and required transit authority design approval for ADA access, distinct access points to the building and parking garage, and an entire steel structure over the subway to prevent vibration mitigation. The team developed steel columns resting on vibration attenuates allowing this super steel structure to effectively float above the subway plaza.

The team addressed the 33’ setback required by formal land planning by creating a garden plaza between the building and the sidewalk. Future Green Studio created a geometric planting with a series of stacked bluestone planter boxes with large swaths of grasses, perennial flowers, and drought tolerant plants. The bluestone planters are also in the building’s lobby, along with a reclaimed wood feature wall. The team added a green roof with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and downtown Brooklyn. The green roof is an ecological intervention scrubbing water of pollutants before flowing to street level, and also a relaxing space with cedar screens and planters establishing areas for lounging, dining, seating, and playing.

Floor plans accommodate single professionals, couples and families and the building has a state-of-art fitness center, storage on each floor, parking options, and elevator access. Each of the 48 homes have a custom kitchen, video intercom, washer and dryer, oversized rooms, and fixtures by Toto, Kohler and Duravit. The apartment homes were leased within 12 weeks of listing, and the street level retail space was soon occupied by famed dessert destination Milk Bar.

Project Type: New Construction
Project Size: 64,000 SF
Completed: 2011
Client: Gershon & Co, & William Stein
Services: Architecture
Awards: 2012 AIA Citation Award (Westchester + Hudson Valley), 2013 Architizer A+ Awards for Architecture and Urban Transformation Special Mention 

http://ksq.design/work/360-smith-street-3/