We designed a rooftop environment, Tank, in a collaborative spirit with the clients, who work from their loft in the Chelsea neighborhood. They had clear objectives and a firm budget.
The archetypal New York water tanks offered the generative force for the unraveling wood boards on the various arched trellises and perimeter enclosure. The spacing between boards varies depending upon adjacencies to achieve the client’s goals of privacy, sound attenuation, light filtration, and cat protection.
Ipe wood was used for the slats due to its density, durability, coloration, and fire rating. The steel structure was sealed following weathering and areas of rust color visually softened these members.
The stair bulkhead serves as a barrier between the Tank terrace and the building’s unfinished roof deck. Artificial and natural lighting are enhanced as it provides illumination from within to the terrace and brings sunlight and sectional intrigue into the loft. Last, it provides ventilation with a custom-designed quiet exhaust fan at the roof of the bulkhead.
Jury Comment
“A good example of how to create an urban retreat as a work respite on the rooftop. Privacy and enclosure are achieved consistently with wood slats.”
