ORA studio conceives UN plaza duplex apartment in new york

ORA studio conceives UN plaza duplex apartment in new york
all images courtesy of ORA studio 

in a historic building designed in 1966 by harris, abramowitz and stevens, architect giusi mastro, founder of new york-based ORA studio, has realized the ‘UN plaza duplex’ apartment, featuring unobstructed north, east and south views from each room. accommodating a contemporary interior approach that reflects the character of the tower facades — in the miesian tradition of sharp lines — guests experience an immediate, well-balanced layout upon entering the space. the residence is conceived as a continuous space strategically delimited by freestanding volumes. this clean and precise arrangement is set on a large white marble floor, with walls that create separation but also unity — some which limit and close off space, while others define it.

the living room features a custom-designed fireplace by giusi mastro

while there was a relatively large-sized existing kitchen on the first floor, the space itself was not very functional. an eat-in kitchen was then achieved by moving the sink to the wall with the cabinet units, stove top and dishwasher, while on the other side, tall units like storage and the refrigerator are sited. this arrangement transforms the wall between the kitchen and dining areas as a storage unit for china, containing large sliding doors and some fixed panels to conceal building pipes.

the entryway that leads into the UN plaza duplex

while the original spiral staircase that leads entrants from the first to second levels was maintained, the plan has seen a new parapet and rail installed along the curved wall. the effect of the spiral doubles as an optical illusion, leading to a bleached zebra wood floor that spans throughout the upper level. the master bathroom was created by combining one large bathroom and two small ones, with one large luxury spa with a steam shower, boffi tub for two, and sauna — all enriched with white thassos marble floors and walls. the corridor leading to the walk-in-closet forms a plath to the media room on one side and the sitting area and master bedroom on the other, all flanked with large windows and drenched with light. the choice of layout, materials and color gives a feeling of an even-larger and palatial home.

with the client’s artwork selection sited throughout the dwelling, the overall mood of the space is contemporary, yet comfortable and chic.

the stairway has seen a new parapet and rail installed along the curved wall

the boffi-outfitted kitchen

the bar area acts as an alcove for intimate dining and drinking situations

a bleached zebra wood floor spans throughout the upper gallery level

the guest suite overlooks unobstructed views of the surrounding cityscape

the corridor that leads to the master suite sitting area, with outside views of new york city

the master bathroom comprises a boffi vanity and mirror

the master bathroom with a boffi tub

the master bathroom includes a personal sauna clad in wood

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