Tribeca Loft In New York, USA

Completed in 2013, this modern loft is located within the Tribeca North area of Manhattan, New York, and it was sketched out by Andrew Franz Architect. It offers 3,000 square feet of space and is a part of an old caviar warehouse from 1884. The building maintains a link to its former self through a series of reclaimed or restored materials that are complemented by modern ones. For example, the steel staircase that links its different floors flaunts treads made out of old roof joists and landings.

Comfortable and sustainable, the residence boasts energy-efficient appliances and mechanical systems, and it impresses with a retractable glass roof and with architectural cabinetry and metalwork. The rooftop terrace features reclaimed bluestone pavers as well as native plant species that require little water. The living areas are linked to the outdoors thanks to the roof that slides back and floods the loft with natural light while facilitating airflow.

From the architect:

In Manhattan’s landmarked Tribeca North area, the 3,000-square-feet top floor and roof of an 1884 caviar warehouse are reconceived as a residence with large open entertaining zones and a fluid connection with the outdoor environment.

Outdoor Connection

The residence is transformed by a relocated mezzanine where a sunken interior court with a retractable glass roof connects to the planted green roof garden above. This gesture of subtracting volume from the interior brings the outdoors into the primary living zones. The roof, peeled back, showers the spaces with natural light. When open, ample air flow enters what was once a poorly ventilated and dark loft. By night, the court acts as an internal lantern illuminating the loft below.

Historic Dialogue

Embracing the building’s industrial past, a visual discourse between new and old is devised through insertions of modern materials along with restored or reclaimed materials from the loft. A custom steel stair repurposes timbers from the old roof joists as treads and landings. The multiple level residence is unified by a walnut fascia that serves as a conceptual datum.

Sustainability & Health

To add to its sustainable nature, new and energy-efficient mechanical systems and appliances are employed. The project reclaims and reuses loft materials while bringing in new, locally sourced products including the appliances, retractable glass roof, architectural metal work, and cabinetry. The new roof terrace utilizes reclaimed bluestone pavers and a majority of native plant species that require little water while insulating the environment below.

Area: 3000.0 ft2
Year: 2013
Photographs: Albert Vecerka/Esto

Interior Design: Andrew Franz Architect, PLLC
Structural Engineer: Blue Shore Engineering, LLC
Mep Engineer: A to Z Consulting Engineers, PC
Landscaping: Plant Specialists
Av Consultant: Precision Home Theater
General Contractor: ZZZ Carpentry, Inc.