upper east side RESIDENCE

Location: New York, NY
Type: Residential – Apartment Renovation
Status: Built, Completed 2024
Size: 1,000 SF
Client: Undisclosed
Team: Daniel Markiewicz, Miroslava Brooks
Construction: THINK Construction
Photo Credit: Amy Barkow Photo

A young client approached FORMA looking to renovate a series of spaces in their Upper East Side Co-Op. The client brought a strong desire to approach the project from an ecologically sensitive perspective, in particular avoiding the use of many common building materials that use artificial glues, mastics and other additives in their creation.

While many modern kitchens appear to be built from solid wood, nearly all are actually fabricated using thin wood veneer over a medium-density-fiberboard (MDF) base which contain among other items: formaldehyde. Working with THINK Construction and a team of specialized millworkers, this project avoids that entirely. Each cabinet front is carefully constructed with solid oak strips and reinforced with rear wood battens. The updated kitchen opens up to previously compartmentalized apartment. The bathroom, powder room and a small nursey completed the project with simple custom tile detailing that complimented the clients desire for a straightforward and honest approach to building.