Nestled along the Brooklyn Waterfront, overlooking the East River and Manhattan Skyline, the Kent Avenue penthouse apartment is one of its kind; New York’s industrial vibe meets soft minimalism and tactile materials in this urban retreat above the vibrating city. The open plan solution is preserved and layered with thoughtful elements to define different zones, and on the sunken terrace one can take a dip in the plunge pool or simply relax and enjoy the exquisite view.

Spanning approx. 350 square meters, the Kent Avenue penthouse residence occupies the entire top floor of a grand building along the East River. The unique home is divided into two distinct living spaces – one designed for the privacy of the family, and the other a fully equipped guest house.

The open-plan layout of both apartments is thoughtfully layered with elements that subtly define various zones, maintaining a sense of fluidity while offering spaces for relaxation and privacy. Large floor-to-ceiling windows enhance the seamless flow between indoors and out, connecting the home to the breathtaking views of the river and Manhattan skyline as well as the lush greenery on the expansive terrace that envelopes the residence.

With its blend of modern design and tactile materials, the Kent Avenue penthouse residence embodies contemporary elegance and tranquility, delivering a space that feels both intimate and spacious.

A serene interior offers balance to the vibrant views outside, while soft and plush textiles create a warm and tactile home environment. The design blends organic shapes with clean lines, crafting a space that feels both soothing and stimulating.

The bespoke kitchen crafted by Vipp features a sleek black exterior with a natural oak core, blending style and functionality. The steel tabletop adds a refined, modern touch, while the folding fronts seamlessly tuck away, optimizing space and offering versatile design options within a single kitchen.
Situated between the kitchen-dining area and the living room, a grand bookcase features a perforated steel back that permits natural light to flow through the space. The design not only preserves the connection between the areas but also delineates their distinct functions. Additionally, the bookcase serves as a showcase for the family’s treasured personal items.

The bathroom is crafted entirely from large grey stone slabs, with elegant silver fixtures that enhance the cool, modern aesthetic. In contrast to the warm wooden tones of the bedroom, the sharp lines of the stone create a bold, minimalist look. Soft curtains, consistent with the rest of the house, introduce a tactile element, casting beautiful shadows from the surrounding trees and greenery. Cleverly hidden storage adds to the clean, streamlined design.

The guest unit offers a cozy yet spacious layout, featuring a well-appointed kitchen, a living room, a tranquil bedroom, a small office nook, a bathroom, and a toilet. Each room is designed with the same elegant style as the main apartment, ensuring a cohesive flow that feels effortlessly luxurious. Every detail, from the soft color palette to the clean lines, contributes to a sense of calm and sophistication.
Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, blurring the boundary between the indoors and the breathtaking surroundings. Beyond the windows, a large wooden deck beckons, offering breathtaking views of the Manhattan cityscape.

It’s a serene retreat, where urban life meets tranquil living, with every detail carefully curated for a sense of unity and calm – a perfect blend of urban energy and quiet retreat.

The guest bedroom features a minimalist bedframe that mirrors the style of the main apartment. A large window invites natural light, while a private deck enhances seclusion. Tucked behind the wall, a small desk offers a functional workspace, with a bathroom conveniently located down the hall.

A dreamy fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design elements invites tranquility and harmony, while the preservation of the inside original steel structure honor the building’s rich heritage, allowing it to form a robust framework for an exquisitely delicate home where heritage and modernity gracefully intertwine.

The interior represents a simplistic fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian design elements that invites tranquility and harmony into the mundane. This way, the space is designed to balance the vibrant views outside, creating a quiet canvas that lets the landscape take center stage. Here, the past and present co-exist in harmony, offering a tranquil retreat amid the dynamic energy of the city.

A custom-designed kitchen, crafted from oak wood and stone, is elegantly framed by the existing steel structure, blending heritage and modernity. The tactile quality of the chosen materials not only enhances the sense of touch but also adds a rich, organic texture that elevates the entire space.
This thoughtful selection of materials contributes to the kitchen’s warmth and sophistication, making it a centerpiece of both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The wood brings a natural warmth, while the stone adds a timeless durability, together creating a balance that resonates throughout the home.

The existing staircase has been refined to harmonize better with its surroundings. While featuring a sleek surface in the same color as the wall behind it, it still serves as a striking sculptural element within the space.
Drawing inspiration from the maritime backdrop in a minimalist interpretation, the staircase is equipped with steel stringers and railings, enhancing its modern aesthetic while maintaining functionality and elegance. In total, a transformation that exemplifies a seamless union of form and function, where every detail contributes to a cohesive and captivating architectural narrative.

Incorporating a traditional Shoji screen in the bathroom introduces a captivating interplay of light, shadow, and texture. The delicate washi paper, meticulously crafted for its translucency and durability, gently diffuses natural light, bathing the space in a soft, warm glow. This subtle diffusion creates a serene and inviting ambiance, perfect for a bathroom setting where relaxation is key.

The natural wooden frame adds a layer of organic beauty that complements both modern and traditional interiors, but beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Shoji screen also serves practical purposes. Its ability to maintain privacy while allowing the room to feel open and airy makes it an ideal choice for intimate spaces like bathrooms. The gentle separation provided by the screen fosters a sense of calm and privacy without the need for heavy or opaque barriers.
This ancient Japanese technique not only enhances the bathroom’s visual harmony with its simple elegance but also fosters a sense of peace and mindfulness. 

The Repulse Bay Residence is envisioned as a living gallery that continuously evolve and adapt to a variety of everyday needs. This thoughtful design creates a tranquil environment, where each room offers a new perspective on the surrounding nature, encouraging exploration akin to a gallery visit.

Throughout the home, views and artworks are thoughtfully highlighted and framed by the architecture, inviting residents to engage with each feature in a unique and intimate manner. This dynamic approach transforms the home into a living, breathing work of art, where discovery and inspiration await around every corner.

Nestled along Hong Kong’s southern coastline, Repulse Bay Residence harmoniously blends natural inspiration with sophisticated design. Drawing from the surrounding mountains, sea, and verdant vegetation, the interior palette embraces subtle, earthy hues that seamlessly integrate with the untouched beauty just beyond its windows. This fusion of colors and materials forms a serene backdrop, mirroring the tranquil landscape that surrounds it.

Inspired by the layout of modern galleries, the residence is structured around freestanding walls that not only divide but also showcase each area like curated pieces of art in a museum – setting the stage for a functional yet inviting home, where every corner invite exploration and appreciation.

Throughout the residence, ever- changing views unfolds, connecting spaces and levels with inbuilt architectural elements that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
Embracing simplicity, the interior features a palette of natural materials that evolve in soft gradients, enriching each room with texture and character. This approach creates a harmonious atmosphere, where every detail contributes to a sense of tranquility and comfort.

The space is connected throughout, with layers made up by inbuilt features and shifting levels. Moreover, division between the different functions within the home is created through a series of freestanding walls, bringing a sense of functional gallery showcase to the atmosphere of the home.

Inspired by the surrounding nature, we have worked with subtle, earthy tones and materials that evoke the natural world. Soft hues blend throughout the space, while natural materials such as stone, wood, and dolomite plaster are used extensively, creating a tactile and organic ambiance. These choices not only bring the serenity of the outdoors inside but also ensure that the design remains timeless and connected to its environment. The result is a living space that feels both elegant and grounded, offering a seamless transition between the interior and the breathtaking natural scenery just beyond the windows.

With the design of the bathroom, we worked to showcase a blend of traditional Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. With hinoki wood  lending its subtle fragrance and smooth texture to create a calming atmosphere, the space now embodies the natural elegance and simplicity of both cultures. Clean lines and minimalist fixtures enhance the tranquil ambiance, while natural light floods the room, highlighting the beauty of the wood grain. The result is a bathroom that feels both luxurious and soothing, a perfect sanctuary within the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

As you step into the home, you will immediately sense the calming effect it exudes. Every design choice and architectural feature is intended to enhance the sensation of arrival at your tranquil retreat – meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate with the raw beauty of its surroundings. It’s a place where the stresses of daily life melt away, replaced by a profound sense of peace of mind.

With this ground-up project, we have worked to explore the notion of a traditional Danish summerhouse set in wild nature. An approach that is reflected in the overall shapes of the structures and the choice of wood as the primary material inside-out.
Two carefully crafted axes effortlessly connect different functions within the house, ensuring a harmonious flow from one space to the next. The house itself is thoughtfully positioned primarily on the previous house plot to minimize the impact on the surrounding landscape as well as to work with the sloping surroundings, using various levels to create a sense of comfort within, while maximizing the stunning views of the landscape.

The house itself seems to grow naturally from the landscape, adorned with a sedum roof and cedar cladding aging with grace, further enhancing its connection to the environment. The strict, linear architecture creates striking silhouettes, offering a visual juxtaposition that is both striking and soothing. Moreover, a private atrium beckons you to unwind and reconnect with nature. This secluded oasis allows you to enjoy the outdoors in privacy, creating a tranquil space that is truly your own.

The architecture is designed to draw the eye and hold your attention – leading you on a journey of discovery throughout the entire property. Long views extend through the house, welcoming you with a glimpse of the breathtaking scenery beyond.

Inside, the emphasis on materiality is evident in every detail. The tactile sensation of walking on wooden floors evokes a connection to the natural world just beyond the windows. The use of lye-treated Douglas Fir planks from Dinesen throughout the interior, from flooring to walls and ceiling, not only brings warmth to the space but also continues the promise of the house blending seamlessly with the environment. It’s a tactile experience that leaves you feeling grounded and connected to the world outside.

In the warm embrace of the timber-clad living room, nature becomes an ever-present companion, eliminating the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The choice of traditional brick flooring pays homage to the timeless elegance of Danish residential modernism from the 50s and 60s, infusing the space with a sense of heritage. In this harmonious blend of nature-inspired elements and mid-century modern influences, the materials chosen for the living space are not merely selections; they are declarations of longevity. Each component serves a purpose beyond the immediate, contributing to a timeless atmosphere that stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of thoughtful design.