This rooftop addition, creating a duplex penthouse, was designed “on spec”, for a developer with deep roots in the neighborhood and a directive to consider the hoped-for end user at every turn. This wasn’t hard, as the duplex backed up against Wayne Turett’s own home, and would share many of the features that Turett had investigated for his own use when he renovated some years earlier… with one important exception.

To take advantage of the soaring ceiling heights and generous views at the upper level of the new duplex, the new penthouse would be “upside-down”, with bedrooms at the lower, entry level, and kitchen, dining and living rooms on the upper level, with direct access to multiple roof levels for entertaining and relaxing. The inverted scheme meant extra attention to the entry foyer and stair hall would be needed: multiple skylights and careful stair detailing flood the entryway with light, drawing the visitor to the upper level, where ceiling heights are carefully orchestrated to create a sequence of compression and expansion as one proceeds through the space.