THIS INCREDIBLE APARTMENT HOLDS A SECRET ‘URBAN TERRARIUM’ AT ITS CORE

Six years after Bryan Young, principal of Young Projects, completed an impressive three-level TriBeCa residence atop an 1885 Harding & Gooch–designed building, he embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of the entire project. Although the original design was successful, the family of four saw this as an opportune moment to reassess their needs and preferences. Young, the architect behind the 2017 completion, acknowledges the dual nature of the project, involving architectural, material, and spatial considerations, as well as aligning these aspects with the family’s current and desired lifestyle within the space.

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The couple, along with their two children aged 11 and 13, sought a space that could reflect their evolving personal style while serving as a versatile backdrop for the numerous events they host in support of philanthropic causes. Spanning the entire 13th and 14th floors, as well as a significant portion of the rooftop, the 5,500-square-foot apartment boasts panoramic views of Manhattan through scores of windows on all sides. The residence features a distinctive interior garden courtyard adorned with vibrant lava stone and glass Sciara tile from Paola Lenti, creating a unique atmosphere that evolves with the changing seasons. Bryan Young, the principal of Young Projects, describes it as a “unique New York residence that really has all four seasons embedded in the qualities of the interiors.” The couple appreciates welcoming guests during various seasons, from the changing leaves in the fall to blooming spring and the serene winter snowfall in the central courtyard, creating an almost urban terrarium effect.

The home’s plasterwork is a standout feature, showcasing a reimagined technique for crafting crown moldings. Traditionally, the process involves pulling a knife blade with a defined profile over wet plaster, refining the shape. In this project, Bryan Young and his team at Young Projects reinvented the technique to allow for more complex geometries, resulting in an undulating, light, billowing curtain effect on the walls. This innovative approach conceals utilitarian spaces like bathrooms, closets, and pantries, seamlessly integrating them into the open flow of the residence while preserving skyline views.

Regarding interior furnishings, meticulous attention was given to ensure that each piece complements the homeowner’s growing art collection. Over the past six years, the collection has expanded, and Young was tasked with integrating it seamlessly into the interior design. An example of this thoughtful integration is evident in the living room, where Young extracted various tones from an abstract photograph by artist Matthew Brandt, incorporating them into elements such as upholstery, floor coverings, and wall color. The result is a cohesive and harmonious blend of art and design throughout the residence, creating a space that is both refined and playful, adaptable to various scales of gatherings and intimate experiences. The project, aptly named “Pulled Plaster House,” showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design that characterize Young Projects’ work.

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