Private Residence, 1998
New York, NY

Associated Architect: David Hotson
Structural Engineer: Friedman & Oppenheimer
General Contractor: David Giovanitti
Lighting Design: Rénee Cooley
Photography: Eric Schiller

In the design of this private residence in Manhattan, Maya Lin envisioned a home that could fold in on itself like origami or a transformer toy, changing its shape or function depending upon how it was used. It had to feel intimate and comfortable for one person, yet needed to “expand” to accommodate the client’s entire family on those occasions when they were all in town. She saw it as a quiet retreat from the city, where light would filter through the entire apartment via translucent walls.

The idea of transformation plays itself out in the smaller details and furnishings as well - the kitchen island is a cube that opens up to reveal hidden chairs - and the dining room table and chairs fold together to become a buffet side bar. The shower in an upper level bathroom folds away when not in use; an entire wall cabinet pivots and slides up against a wall, transforming two bedrooms into one larger suite.