Nicole Migeon

Architect, PLLC

East Village Townhouse Renovation and Addition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

East Village Townhouse Renovation Complete

NEW YORK, NY – October 20th, 2008 – Nicole Migeon Architect’s latest residential innovation addressed the challenge of creating a usable living and working space for two visual artists in a complete renovation of a freestanding building. The 2,000 square feet of the residence is divided into four floors of 500 square feet, each with a different range of functions.

Because the building backs up to a community garden, NMA has taken steps to integrate the building with the landscape.  The “green roof” has a slate stepping stone path through a sedum rooftop garden.  Vines crawl up to a patterned steel trellis enclosing the space in greenery, yet allowing a dramatic view of the Empire State Building and the surrounding rooftops and gardens.

The top floor is the Master Bedroom. Glass doors lead to a deck with custom-designed metal branch-like railings that overlooks the garden.  Above the custom-designed master bed is a skylight that looks upwards through the vined trellises on the roof. The tiled bathroom has a translucent clearstory reveal, which lets in natural light.

Moving downwards from the master bedroom, the staircase leads to a spacious kitchen and living room with a built-in wood-burning fireplace.  Because of their placement, the top two floors are the more private areas for the residents, while the first and second floors are multi-use studio/public space.

The second floor is a film studio that converts to a guest room with the extension of oversized glass doors and a compact custom Murphy bed. The first floor contains a fully-ventilated painting studio with additional climate-controlled storage.  The stairwell features windows at every level, each providing a different view of the garden outside.

To give the individual floors a more open feel, NMA made use of a single, open staircase and rows of wide NanaWall windows, which can be folded aside, giving access to outside air and sunlight.  A bathroom entirely lined with teak adds to the effect of bringing the outdoors inside.

The unique design, green roof, window placement, and mechanical systems all contribute to a low energy profile and demonstrate a dedication to sustainable design.  The reclaimed brick exterior and pinewood floors are examples of both reusability and classic design. The successful management of openness and privacy, of work and living space, is a signature aspect of NMA design – blending functionality with aesthetic; fresh, modern, minimal, and useful.  This design allows two full-time artists to both work and live within the same space.

###