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 ©

This door is from the 1800s! I wanted to create a southern cottage theme in this room. I brought the outdoors inside. The wall when it is all finished, will look like the front of a charming southern cottage! Magnolia Mae Vintage Design

Inspiration for a large timeless dark wood floor staircase remodel in Miami with orange walls

Example of a 1960s walk-out vinyl floor and beige floor home design design in Baltimore with a home theater and gray walls

Closet - modern closet idea

Nestled beneath the stairs, this powder room was designed to surprise and delight. Rich botanical wallpaper transforms the compact space into an immersive retreat, while soft sage tile, warm brushed brass fixtures, and a fluted vanity add texture and timeless character. Thoughtfully layered materials create depth without overwhelming the room, proving that even the smallest spaces can become some of the most memorable. The result is a powder room that feels sophisticated, inviting, and full of personality.

A couple of sauna renovations for MB Club House. Rustic style using Yellow Cedar with knots. Double benches with a skirt. Covered existing door with the same wood.

Contemporary Bathroom Design Ideas | Shower Tiles
Bathroom - contemporary bathroom idea in Los Angeles

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Seattle

Before photo of old outdated tacky tarnished gold rim on glass fireplace doors. Instead of spending thousands on new fireplace doors or enclosure, spend $250 for a custom update (see after photo)

photos by Kimball Ungerman
Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized traditional l-shaped light wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in Salt Lake City with beaded inset cabinets and wood countertops

Johanne Nadeau
Example of a trendy kitchen design in Montreal

Maiolica Aqua - Ceramic Wall Tiles by ROCA

Morgan Bayard
Bathroom - bathroom idea in New York

Eric Russell Photography
Home design - craftsman home design idea in Sacramento

Example of a large classic underground carpeted basement design in Indianapolis with beige walls and no fireplace

A mid-century modern kitchen typically features clean lines, sleek surfaces, and a minimalist approach to design. The color scheme is often muted, focusing on natural materials such as wood, stone, and metal. Cabinets are usually flat-panel and made of wood or laminate, with simple hardware. Countertops are often made of quartz, granite, or marble; flooring is typically hardwood or tile. Large windows are also standard in mid-century modern kitchens, allowing plenty of natural light to flood the space. Overall, the design is functional, understated, and timeless.

ACM panels meets stained hemlock wood siding
Inspiration for a small contemporary brown two-story wood house exterior remodel in Vancouver with a shed roof and a metal roof