The Penthouse, located on the top floor of a pre-war building with potentially unlimited views of Manhattan and Central Park, was previously a series of small white rooms with small uninspired windows. Utilizing the potential of the 'Penthouse' as a relatively free standing structure with no party walls beside or above, the renovation sought to open up the exterior and free the hidden views of the city and sky.

     The initial ideas for this project came as a response to the client's desire for privacy and seclusion in the midst of the city. View obstructing walls were removed and replaced by large pivoting glass doors forming a glass wall, opening the living room to exceptional west views of Central Park. The ceiling was raised, and the Living and Dining volume was converted to an open floor plan space. Circulation was defined by built-in or freestanding objects.

     The concept for the interior was initially inspired by Paul Klee's painting "The Golden Fish" in which several bright objects float on a dark background. A series of essential but disparate objects in the apartment become zones of intensity, floating in a dark void. Walls of midnight blue and charcoal and chocolate Venetian plaster surround a reflective bronze and glass 'Suncourt', admitting the ever-changing elements of light, rain, and snow. A limestone fireplace and black ebonized wood cabinet all hold their unique position in this composition.