Noho Penthouse

Blesso Properties combined a love of the city with a commitment to green design in this newly completed gut renovation of a penthouse loft apartment and roof deck. Blesso eliminated the existing labyrinth of dark rooms to create a light-filled open plan, and transformed the previously underutilized rooftop into a lush garden that offers an unexpected amenity for city living.

The 3,100 square foot residence and 2,200 square foot roof garden showcase Blesso’s attention to detail and dedication to using sustainable materials. The space served as a testing ground for green features and collaborative design with local artisans for use with future Blesso projects – all of which convey the company aesthetic. The space is minimalist and modern yet inviting and warm. While the forms may be simple and understated, they evoke a visceral response as a result of the light, color and textures on the surfaces.

The indoor spaces center on an interior garden and dramatic planted wall, which act as a backdrop for the entire loft. The outdoor living areas also gather around the planting but with panoramic views of the city as the backdrop. The juxtaposition of indoor and outdoor spaces/natural and urban systems provides a sense of retreat without rejecting what is "natural" to New York City. Some of the green components include FSC-certified wood, recycled denim sound insulation, a green roof with a greywater irrigation system, kitchen countertops made from concrete and recycled paper pulp, dual-flush toilets, non-VOC paints and the most-efficient appliances on the market.

This project has been widely published and was selected among the award-winning projects in the 2008 Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) Professional Design Awards Program, won a Best of Year merit award from Interior Design Magazine, and received an Honor Award from the AIA Westchester/Mid-Hudson Chapter, a New York based chapter of the AIA in 2008.