Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the building was erected on a shallow commercial lot between two 120 year old masonry buildings and a new residential rental building. 330 Grand Street is a mix of 725 SF 1BRs and 1050 SF 2BR apartments. It also contains a 1100 SF two story duplex as well as private and public rooftop space, large private balconies for most units and two large private terraces for the ground floor units. 330 Grand Street was originally designed and approved at the NYC DOB as a prefabricated modular building. During the pandemic, as shipping costs skyrocketed putting the project at risk, we suggested redesigning the building as a reinforced cast-in-place concrete structure. Concrete was readily available and prices had not been affected by the demand increase that many other materials suffered in the pandemic. We took this opportunity to raise floor to ceiling heights, enlarge high performance windows and redistribute the buildings MEPFS and Structural Systems to create very open floor plans. The challenge was to create a luxurious sensorial living experience with very limited means. In a city with very high construction costs, low cost residential buildings in the area are usually devoid of good quality, design and character. Our approach was to aim high for the end user, prioritizing natural light, open space with long visual perspectives, high ceilings and as always, rejecting the use of predefined building templates. Our biggest challenge was to ensure that the small spaces feel as clean cut, large and bright as possible. Several unique design decisions were made to ensure low cost and high quality; Floor plans were laid out so that spaces were wide open and free of clutter from mechanical or structural interruptions. Therefore all infrastructure was placed in lateral demising walls, which in turn act as the unit’s storage and kitchen. The apartments feel wide open, are super quiet and have more storage space than any other comparable apartment in the city. To solve the problem of the site’s shallow commercial lot which is typically prone to dark interior spaces we focused our attention on the building’s envelope. Instead of the usual small punched window openings, oversized high performance windows were designed to ensure that light penetrated as far as possible into the units. In the smaller 1BR units, the full 50’ depth of the lot is perceived by partitioning spaces with sliding pocket doors that can be retracted to allow deep visual perspectives, making the sight lines in the space feel longer, larger, more ample than normal. In addition to the full height glazing, each unit above the 2nd floor receives a 7 foot covered balcony, adding 120 to 240 sf to each apartment, something unusual in New York City buildings. The space is large enough for a full size dining table, when the weather permits being outside. We also worked hard to ensure modularity. For example, all kitchen units are all identical throughout the building. The idea of modularity and the economy of the repetitive unit is exercised to the maximum through the building. Hardware, appliances, flooring, wall coverings and material finishes are all carefully selected to feel bespoke, high quality and unique. It was important to KURV that the result of this work manifest into something that would deeply connect with the end user and sustain relationships with the consumers of this space. All images by KURV Architecture ©

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The Chambord Residence was a typical worker’s duplex house in the heart of the patrimonial neighbourhood of the Plateau Mont-Royal. The initial intent of this residential renovation project was to annex a master bedroom that would have a view over the iconic Mount Royal, and at the same time, a rooftop terrace. The new addition’s architecture had to contrast with the existing building which stayed untouched. It consisted of a simple volume laid gently over the duplex. We recessed the facade of the new construction to keep the initial alignment of the street. The client’s love for natural materials and bright colors made it easy for us to choose copper as the siding finish for the extension. The idea of seeing his house change color and evolve through time and natural oxidation made it clear for him that it was the most interesting material. We chose a diamond shaped tile to cover the new add-on construction, as it refers to the vernacular false-mansard found in the city, and adds a texture that will make the copper age unevenly. Our goal was to create a contemporary jewel that celebrates the patrimonial gem it sits on. © Lorelei L'Affeter

Through its minimal form and glare-free, flat panel LED technology, Cielo enables light to act as its expressive element and defining feature. Its finish palate also works to this end, underscoring the lamp's simple structure and exalting its light. Cielo's classic shape integrates into any environment, regardless of style, and it can be suspended individually, in a series or as a chandelier to provide warm and balanced illumination. The larger the grouping, the bolder the display. Cielo offers a full dimming range and is composed of energy efficient LEDs rated for up to 50K hours. Now available in brand new Hi-Bright model boasting 860 lumens of glare free illumination. This is an up-close look at the pendants that comprise the Cielo Chandelier. Photo credits to Pablo Designs.

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A closer look at the architectural details in this Lake Bluff master bathroom by New Explode Construction. Custom-painted trimwork and soft neutral tones frame the view of a marble shower with brass fixtures, tying the space together with subtle elegance. This level of detail reflects our dedication to craftsmanship, material harmony, and timeless interior architecture.