Balestri Architects

Jan 2014

This project combines two existing studio apartments into a compact 800 sqft. live/work space for a young professional couple in the heart of Chelsea, New York. The design required some creative space planning to meet the Owner's requested program for an open plan solution with a private master bedroom suite and separate study that also allowed for entertaining small parties, including the ability to provide a sleeping space for guests. The solution was to identify areas of overlap within the program that could be addressed with dual-function custom millwork pieces. A bar-stool counter at the open kitchen folds out to become a bench and dining table for formal entertaining. A custom desk folds down with a murphy bed to convert a private study into a guest bedroom area. A series of pocket door connecting the spaces provide both privacy to the master bedroom area when closed, and the option for a completely open layout when opened. A carefully selected material palette brings a warm, tranquil feel to the space. Reclaimed teak floors run seamlessly through the main spaces to accentuate the open layout. Warm gray lacquered millwork, Centaurus granite slabs, and custom oxidized stainless steel details, give an elegant counterpoint to the natural teak floors. The master bedroom suite and study feature custom Afromosia millwork. The bathrooms are finished with cool toned ceramic tile, custom Afromosia vanities, and minimalist chrome fixtures. Custom LED lighting provides dynamic, energy efficient illumination throughout.

$450k

New York, NY

Jan 2011

This renovation project updates an existing New York 1920s apartment with a modern sensibility. Replacing the cellular pre-war layout of the central spaces with a built-in walnut credenza and white lacquer side board effectively opens the plan to create a unified and spacious living area. The back side of the full-height dining room side-board screens views from the entrance foyer. The modern design of the new built-ins at center of the space is balanced by perimeter radiator covers and a full-height bookshelf which work with the period trim detail. The new kitchen has been relocated to open directly onto the dining room, and features a long, solid mahogany island serving counter. An operable white lacquer and translucent glass partition pulls out from behind a concealed panel to separate the two rooms, providing flexibility for both casual and formal arrangements. The relocation of the kitchen allows for the addition of a small private study, and a powder room, both absent from the original layout. The sleeping quarters maintain their existing cellular layout to provide ample privacy from the main living space. The completely renovated master bathroom features luxurious white marble wall tile, a matte gray limestone floor and custom walnut vanity. The renovated jack-and-jill children's bathroom features light colored ceramic tile and a custom oak vanity for a more playful feel.

$800k

New York City, NY

Jan 2014

Interior renovation of a late 1800s farmhouse. The existing kitchen and family room were completely gutted and restructured into a single great room. New custom cabinets, oak floors, jet mist and walnut countertops.

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Irvington, NY

Jan 2013

Working in collaboration with award-winning interior designer, Juan Montoya, Balestri Architects created a modern take on traditional Art Deco motifs to craft this luxurious high-rise residence. The design maintains the existing open layout, employing custom millwork details and subtle changes to the ceiling plane to create an elegant sequential flow to the apartment. The entrance foyer and gallery draws visitors in with a bespoke inlay wood floor, Venetian plaster walls and custom light fixtures. As one passes through the gallery, unobstructed views and natural light pour into the apartment from the north and south facing windows in the living and dining rooms. Custom Macassar millwork, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and dark stained wood floors provide a warm, yet elegant and modern finish to the main living spaces. Custom antiqued bronze details and bespoke furniture with coordinated upholstery provide a seamless level of refinement. The master and guest bedroom suites are given a more relaxed and softer touch, with light-toned Anigre built-in cabinets, upholstered walls and custom carpeting. En-suite bathrooms are designed with white marble, custom onyx mosaic inlays, and mirrored ceilings to create an expansive, spa-like setting. The kitchen is designed for the practical requirements of an active chef, with all new professional appliances, ample countertop and storage space. White lacquered cabinets, durable Madre Perola quartzite countertops, and custom LED lighting create a light filled environment that is easy to work in and maintain.

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New York, NY

Jan 2010

A unique site offering spectacular views of the Hudson River serves as the "launching point" for this new two-story private residence. Built-over the existing foundation of the original residence, the main living area is re-oriented to the northern and eastern views overlooking the river. A natural clearing in the woods has been re-landscaped with a folding plane of grass to provide a gently sloping yard that integrates seamlessly with the existing topography. The new structure provides a simple layout, with an open plan double-height living area, four bedrooms and a study area. Natural light and ventilation permeate each space through a sophisticated operable metal and glass skin with retractable exterior fabric shades. A dramatic sculpted roof provides a counter to the strict plan organization and works with the subtle folds of the grass yard below. The sculpted roof plane not only directs attention towards the view as one approaches the house, but also provides shade along the yard, and ideal orientation for the active solar energy system on its surface.

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West Park, NY

Jan 2009

The Box1 furniture series fuses simple geometries and elegant proportions with purely rendered materials to meet the most basic requirements in a simple statement. Each piece features straight grain, solid hardwood construction with an oil-varnish finish. Table pieces feature matte-finish stainless steel frames and legs. Custom dimensions available upon request.

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Brooklyn, NY

Jan 2009

Low cost renovation of a classic pre-war apartment in Brooklyn, New York. The original floor plan of this one bedroom pre-war unit was simple and efficient, but the space suffered from over 90 years of neglect and poor maintenance. The existing kitchen and bathrooms spaces were gutted and updated with new stone finishes and chrome fixtures. The linear kitchen layout was flipped to allow maximum natural light to the primary work areas. A new glass shower enclosure replaces the original tile shower stall to provide a more opening feeling. New plaster finishes, minimal window treatments, door hardware, and custom furniture complete the renovation.

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Brooklyn, NY

Jan 2008

This project provides a new two-story addition to an historic converted stable barn that was once associated with the 60-acre Hamilton Estate in Irvington, New York. The new design continues the unique language of the converted brick stable and Second Empire slate mansard roof. The addition provides a proper kitchen to the ground floor. Large single-pane glass windows continue the existing architecture to maximize interior natural light and provide panoramic views of the adjacent Hudson River. The kitchen features reclaimed cherry custom cabinets, white marble countertops and new oak hardwood flooring. On the second floor, the addition expands the master bedroom to include an ensuite bathroom and changing room. The second floor features reclaimed pine floors, and white Turkish marble bathroom tiles.

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Irvington, NY

Jan 2007

The US flagship store of this internationally renowned, professional makeup brand packs a lot in a small package. The project's design goal of providing a clean, well-organized space to help mediate the various program elements in limited floor area is achieved. The primary retail space takes advantage of the spacious 18 foot ceiling heights. A layered system of fluorescent and incandescent lights provides the maximum flexibility and control required by makeup vendors. A makeup training academy occupies a new mezzanine floor added to the back of the space. Administrative offices located below the mezzanine are shielded by the translucent wall to provide acoustic privacy while maintaining a veiled visual connection.

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New York, NY