inaba williams softly curves the ceiling coving of 'williamsburg penthouse' in brooklyn

brooklyn-based design studio, inaba williams, has completed the careful renovation of a penthouse in williamsburg, new york. by considering how the needs of current or future residents will change with time, the project focuses on creating spaces that will retain their function and relevance in the years to come. as opposed to forming a bespoke scheme, the designers have instead envisioned an apartment that can be easily modified and evolved.

view from the hallway to the living space

all images © naho kubota

the design by inaba williams has altered the existing layout of the penthouse to better suit the client’s lifestyle. with a total floor area of 800 ft2 (74 m2), the apartment has been redesigned to be more open while still retaining the essential core elements. to create this open-plan space, one of the existing bedrooms has been removed and transformed into an additional space for entertaining and relaxation. located off of the kitchen and dining area, this intervention allows the residents to enjoy a more contemporary style of living.

the curved coving of the hallway ceiling during daytime

the interior design is characterized by the minimal white walls and ceilings, contrasted with dark timber walls and furniture. the coving of the ceiling is curved, forming a delicate junction between the wall and ceiling elements and softening the character of the 11 ft high volume. during the day, these white surfaces are bathed in natural light, creating the appearance of a continuous face. at night, the walls and ceiling instead function to reflect the artificial lights from surrounding buildings, resulting in a dynamic spatial experience while residents can enjoy the city skyline.

the hallway to the master bedroom

the entrance foyer

the curved coving at night reflects the artificial lights from surrounding buildings

the open-plan kitchen and dining area

the coving at night

view of the hallway

the hallway ceiling at night

living room view at night

living room view during the day

project info:

project name: inaba williamsburg penthouse

location: williamsburg, brooklyn, new york, U.S.A.

design: inaba williams

photography: naho kubota

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom