Private Residence, 2001
New York, NY

Associated Architect: David Hotson
Photography: Eduard Hueber

In the design of two private residences in Manhattan, I envisioned a home that could fold in on itself like origami or a Transformers toy, changing its shape or function depending upon how it was used. The mechanisms that operate these movable walls, furnishings, and partitions have an outwardly simple appearance. I never wanted to celebrate the mechanical aspects of the design, nor did I want the design to appear “unstable” in any of its permutations. The design has a secretive and somewhat playful element, responding to my desire to give the client a smart home that works if one knows how to operate it.

The idea of transformation plays itself out in the smaller details and furnishings as well. The island in the kitchen is a cube that opens up to reveal hidden chairs, and the dining room table and chairs fold together to become a buffet sideboard.

Maintaining my interest in creating flexible and transmutable spaces, this four-bedroom apartment, designed for a couple and their two children, allows for rooms that can either be part of the public living spaces or part of the more private master bedroom suite or guestroom/study.

Related Press:

• Bernstein, Fred. Naturally Perfect. Elle Decor (April 2007: 102-111)