Business Chic with a Twist - Design Bureau

Lang Architects

Lang Architects

Lang Architects

Lang Architects

Lang Architects

Lang Architects

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Business Chic with a Twist

Thursday, July 21st, 2011

Given the task of designing a 4,000-square-foot duplex penthouse for a New York hedge fund, Drew Lang of Lang Architects created a warm and inviting space, sleek enough for Fifth Avenue. Client Benjamin Sontheimer’s art collection was the initial inspiration for the project, and his pieces paved the way for Swiss modular furniture from USM, walnut flooring, and views of midtown Manhattan. 

From the get-go, Sontheimer knew he wanted an open, airy space. " I wanted a light-filled Lyceum that reflected an openness to ideas and gave the impression of clarity of thinking and overall uncluttered-ness." Sontheimer also requested a private space for himself, so Lang conceived the pièce de résistance of the space — a spiral staircase created in collaboration with John Millich of Product and Design. "Without this programmatic request, we may not have investigated the possibility of a direct connection between the 15th and 16th floors,” Lang says. 

Before the project was completed, Sontheimer said he envisioned the space to be understated yet captivating. "There's a lot of room for surprise between imagining that and having it to actually walk around in,” Sontheimer admits. Among his favorite features, he highlights "the bronze mesh sliding door with the bamboo garden shimmering behind it." And he describes the elegant bronze rail of the winding staircase set against the expanse of travertine panels as “quietly magnificent." We'll have to agree.

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