This loft is situated in the former International Tailoring Company Building in New York’s East Village. The clients bought a top-floor loft and an abandoned mechanical room directly above it. Our task was to combine the rooftop space with the loft to create a cohesive triplex apartment. We achieved this by carefully opening up the roof’s 100-year-old structural members to install a staircase connecting the existing loft to the additional upper two levels. On the main floor, the first run of the staircase is located in the apartment's entry and is made of a sculptural form of dark oak. The second run of the staircase is more open, allowing light from the top level's many windows to filter into the spaces below. The existing main loft was gut-renovated to create a more open space. The open kitchen/living space was strategically positioned to be surrounded by the building’s huge industrial steel windows, taking advantage of the apartment's high vantage over Union Square. Opposite the windows, custom woodwork serves to unify the kitchen with the living room. The built-in spans the full width of the apartment with dark textured oak panels concealing the appliances, the TV, and creating ample storage. The blackened steel paneled backsplash and chunky black granite countertops complete the dark color palette used in the kitchen. Throughout the apartment, a play of dark and light elements creates a distinctive atmosphere. In the open living areas, the light pouring in from the large windows contrasts with the dark colors selected for the built environment. The more private spaces, such as the bedroom, have a darker feel, with walls and ceilings painted in a deep purple that borders on black alongside more dark oak custom built-ins. The dining room functions as a bridge between the public and private spaces, with walls and ceiling painted in the same moody purple and a vintage mirrored tile accent wall reflecting natural light from the adjacent room’s windows. The middle floor, which has fewer windows, is painted bright white to enhance light in the home office located there.. On the penthouse level, panoramic views were achieved by installing new floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels, supplementing the existing industrial steel windows, and opening onto an adjacent roof terrace. The top floor functions as a lounge overlooking the city and includes unique custom features, such as a steel multi-drop lighting fixture above the stairs, hanging glass and steel shelving, and a built-in wet bar. Here again, dark-colored finishes and materials are used as a counterpoint to the abundant light entering the space. A future plan for the apartment is to create a private roof garden on top of the penthouse with an outdoor stair connecting it to the roof terrace below.

This loft is situated in the former International Tailoring Company Building in New York’s East Village. The clients bought a top-floor loft and an abandoned mechanical room directly above it. Our task was to combine the rooftop space with the loft to create a cohesive triplex apartment. We achieved this by carefully opening up the roof’s 100-year-old structural members to install a staircase connecting the existing loft to the additional upper two levels. On the main floor, the first run of the staircase is located in the apartment's entry and is made of a sculptural form of dark oak. The second run of the staircase is more open, allowing light from the top level's many windows to filter into the spaces below. The existing main loft was gut-renovated to create a more open space. The open kitchen/living space was strategically positioned to be surrounded by the building’s huge industrial steel windows, taking advantage of the apartment's high vantage over Union Square. Opposite the windows, custom woodwork serves to unify the kitchen with the living room. The built-in spans the full width of the apartment with dark textured oak panels concealing the appliances, the TV, and creating ample storage. The blackened steel paneled backsplash and chunky black granite countertops complete the dark color palette used in the kitchen. Throughout the apartment, a play of dark and light elements creates a distinctive atmosphere. In the open living areas, the light pouring in from the large windows contrasts with the dark colors selected for the built environment. The more private spaces, such as the bedroom, have a darker feel, with walls and ceilings painted in a deep purple that borders on black alongside more dark oak custom built-ins. The dining room functions as a bridge between the public and private spaces, with walls and ceiling painted in the same moody purple and a vintage mirrored tile accent wall reflecting natural light from the adjacent room’s windows. The middle floor, which has fewer windows, is painted bright white to enhance light in the home office located there.. On the penthouse level, panoramic views were achieved by installing new floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels, supplementing the existing industrial steel windows, and opening onto an adjacent roof terrace. The top floor functions as a lounge overlooking the city and includes unique custom features, such as a steel multi-drop lighting fixture above the stairs, hanging glass and steel shelving, and a built-in wet bar. Here again, dark-colored finishes and materials are used as a counterpoint to the abundant light entering the space. A future plan for the apartment is to create a private roof garden on top of the penthouse with an outdoor stair connecting it to the roof terrace below.

Many recent renovations had already taken place at this phenomenal old Tudor home. The kitchen redo was saved for last. Our mission, imposed by our client, was to create a jaw-dropping, ultra-functional space for family and friends to gather in for years to come. Naturally, the new kitchen would have to reflect the style of the home seamlessly. One challenge was to incorporate very large professional style appliances into the space while keeping the feel of a stately, yet warm home. Custom wood panels were designed for the refrigerator units to give a furniture feel. A copper hood was designed to bring in an old world element. Wood panels were applied to all other appliances – two dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, and a beverage refrigerator. An iron I-beam that separated the original kitchen from the butler’s pantry and back entry was covered in wood with chamfers to match the other ceiling beams in the home by a local woodworker. Due to the age of the home, the outside walls are concrete block. This necessitated chiseling troughs into the concrete for electrical wiring. Ceilings were studded randomly, so finding openings for recessed lighting was hit or miss. A large cluster of wiring and plumbing to the second floor had to be hidden behind cabinetry to the left of and above the refrigerators. HVAC wasn’t straight forward either. Toe kick heaters from the old kitchen had to be replaced with other sources. A propane tank had to be added to fuel the large dual fuel, double oven range. The homeowner wanted to add a walk-in pantry for extra storage, so space was taken from an existing exterior space. This created the need for extra insulation, supplemental heat and added lighting. Needless to say, mechanicals were a big challenge. Natural stone was added in backsplash areas to the ceiling to mimic the rectangular stone on the exterior of the home. Wood panels fill the backsplash areas under wall cabinets. Large chandeliers light the space. Open shelves at the wet bar/prep area offer convenient storage for grab and go service items. A built-in pantry with antique mirrored mullion doors hides a microwave, several other small appliances as well as dishes and food items. This pantry was tucked into an alcove for an added architectural element. Herringbone wood floors are classic and timeless. Wrought iron hardware and shelf brackets fit right in. Large Barley twist legs ground the island giving a nod to the Tudor style. Mission accomplished. Matt Villano Photography

Austin Street Buils A Custom Urban Residence by Seven Rivers Design + Build Highlight The defining feature of the Austin St. Build is the use of natural plaster walls throughout the interior. Plaster brings a quiet richness—subtle texture, visual depth, and a sense of solidity that makes the home feel both timeless and grounded. This material choice reinforces Seven Rivers Design + Build’s focus on craftsmanship and tactile, human-centered design. Detail Efficient Two-Story Living This 1,500-square-foot, two-story custom home is thoughtfully organized for comfort and flow. The main level includes a bedroom and full bathroom, along with an open kitchen and living area and a conveniently placed powder room. A light-filled, open stairwell leads to the second floor, which houses an additional bedroom and bathroom, creating a balanced and flexible layout well suited for urban living. High-Performance Building Envelope The exterior walls are constructed using Hebel Block (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete)—a high-performance building system that combines structural strength with excellent insulation. By incorporating air into the concrete matrix, Hebel Block delivers superior thermal performance while remaining lightweight and durable, contributing to the home’s overall energy efficiency. Energy-Efficient Comfort Systems Heating and cooling loads are intentionally minimized through envelope performance and system design. The home features in-floor radiant heating as the primary heat source, complemented by mini-split systems for supplemental heating and cooling. The result is a comfortable, efficient living environment with low operational demands. Durable, Timeless Finishes Windows: Andersen E-Series (aluminum-clad) Flooring: Natural slate on the main level Exterior Cladding: Traditional stucco Roof: Standing-seam metal Each material was selected for longevity, performance, and aesthetic restraint—supporting a home that will age gracefully over decades. The Seven Rivers Design + Build Approach The Austin St. Build exemplifies Seven Rivers Design + Build’s design/build philosophy: integrating architecture, materials, and systems into a cohesive whole. By pairing traditional finishes with modern building science, this project delivers a refined, efficient custom home that feels both contemporary and enduring.

Blau-Thompson Residence This Civil War era, 1680-square-foot three-story row house is located in the Italian Market section of Philadelphia. The BluPath Design principals and their young child were the clients. The project goal was to upgrade a traditional housing type to meet a contemporary lifestyle, applying both sustainable criteria and clean, modern yet sensual aesthetics. The challenge of the property (only 830 square feet in lot size) was to create a design that was small, but smart. The structure formerly housed a luncheonette with two apartments above. The interior was gutted and renovated into a single family home. The construction of a small rear addition added a new kitchen on the first floor and new bathrooms on the second and third levels. The east-west orientation of the home was ideal for the roof-mounted solar collectors, which were installed to provide domestic hot water and supplement the new radiant floor heating system. Exterior sensors improve the efficiency of the heating system's response to fluctuations in outside temperature. A new white-coated, rubber membrane roof reduced the structure's heat gain by 20 percent. A water catch system collects rainwater and air conditioner condensation to water the home's small rear garden. Large windows and skylights bring light deep into the row house and reduce the use of light fixtures. The rear yard garden features ipe decking (a dense, water-repellent hardwood) on permeable compacted gravel to minimize storm water runoff. BluPath Design’s principals used the project to demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated with beauty and function, with sensual materials and colors, well-proportioned and light-filled rooms, economic use of space, and thoughtful details. Cherry flooring and custom stairs complement the Indian slate tile in the kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen features custom walnut cabinets with blue granite counters and backsplashes. The first floor dining area is illuminated by a BluPath-designed fiber-optic chandelier. Ipe hardwood is also used for the master bath tub-surround and shower floor. Sliding frosted glass panels separating the master bath from other living areas allows light from the corner windows to naturally illuminate the adjacent room. Awards Honorable Mention for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency IIDA Philadelphia City Center Chapter 3rd Annual Interior Design Awards, June 2007 Bronze 2006 Commonwealth Design Award 10,000 Friends of PA, May 2006 Media HGTV ‘What You Get for the Money’ February 2007 Philadelphia Style Magazine March/April 2007 Philadelphia Inquirer June 11, 2006 Philadelphia CityPaper September 25-October 2, 2003 Photography by Barry Halkin

Blau-Thompson Residence This Civil War era, 1680-square-foot three-story row house is located in the Italian Market section of Philadelphia. The BluPath Design principals and their young child were the clients. The project goal was to upgrade a traditional housing type to meet a contemporary lifestyle, applying both sustainable criteria and clean, modern yet sensual aesthetics. The challenge of the property (only 830 square feet in lot size) was to create a design that was small, but smart. The structure formerly housed a luncheonette with two apartments above. The interior was gutted and renovated into a single family home. The construction of a small rear addition added a new kitchen on the first floor and new bathrooms on the second and third levels. The east-west orientation of the home was ideal for the roof-mounted solar collectors, which were installed to provide domestic hot water and supplement the new radiant floor heating system. Exterior sensors improve the efficiency of the heating system's response to fluctuations in outside temperature. A new white-coated, rubber membrane roof reduced the structure's heat gain by 20 percent. A water catch system collects rainwater and air conditioner condensation to water the home's small rear garden. Large windows and skylights bring light deep into the row house and reduce the use of light fixtures. The rear yard garden features ipe decking (a dense, water-repellent hardwood) on permeable compacted gravel to minimize storm water runoff. BluPath Design’s principals used the project to demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated with beauty and function, with sensual materials and colors, well-proportioned and light-filled rooms, economic use of space, and thoughtful details. Cherry flooring and custom stairs complement the Indian slate tile in the kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen features custom walnut cabinets with blue granite counters and backsplashes. The first floor dining area is illuminated by a BluPath-designed fiber-optic chandelier. Ipe hardwood is also used for the master bath tub-surround and shower floor. Sliding frosted glass panels separating the master bath from other living areas allows light from the corner windows to naturally illuminate the adjacent room. Awards Honorable Mention for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency IIDA Philadelphia City Center Chapter 3rd Annual Interior Design Awards, June 2007 Bronze 2006 Commonwealth Design Award 10,000 Friends of PA, May 2006 Media HGTV ‘What You Get for the Money’ February 2007 Philadelphia Style Magazine March/April 2007 Philadelphia Inquirer June 11, 2006 Philadelphia CityPaper September 25-October 2, 2003 Photography by Barry Halkin

Many recent renovations had already taken place at this phenomenal old Tudor home. The kitchen redo was saved for last. Our mission, imposed by our client, was to create a jaw-dropping, ultra-functional space for family and friends to gather in for years to come. Naturally, the new kitchen would have to reflect the style of the home seamlessly. One challenge was to incorporate very large professional style appliances into the space while keeping the feel of a stately, yet warm home. Custom wood panels were designed for the refrigerator units to give a furniture feel. A copper hood was designed to bring in an old world element. Wood panels were applied to all other appliances – two dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, and a beverage refrigerator. An iron I-beam that separated the original kitchen from the butler’s pantry and back entry was covered in wood with chamfers to match the other ceiling beams in the home by a local woodworker. Due to the age of the home, the outside walls are concrete block. This necessitated chiseling troughs into the concrete for electrical wiring. Ceilings were studded randomly, so finding openings for recessed lighting was hit or miss. A large cluster of wiring and plumbing to the second floor had to be hidden behind cabinetry to the left of and above the refrigerators. HVAC wasn’t straight forward either. Toe kick heaters from the old kitchen had to be replaced with other sources. A propane tank had to be added to fuel the large dual fuel, double oven range. The homeowner wanted to add a walk-in pantry for extra storage, so space was taken from an existing exterior space. This created the need for extra insulation, supplemental heat and added lighting. Needless to say, mechanicals were a big challenge. Natural stone was added in backsplash areas to the ceiling to mimic the rectangular stone on the exterior of the home. Wood panels fill the backsplash areas under wall cabinets. Large chandeliers light the space. Open shelves at the wet bar/prep area offer convenient storage for grab and go service items. A built-in pantry with antique mirrored mullion doors hides a microwave, several other small appliances as well as dishes and food items. This pantry was tucked into an alcove for an added architectural element. Herringbone wood floors are classic and timeless. Wrought iron hardware and shelf brackets fit right in. Large Barley twist legs ground the island giving a nod to the Tudor style. Mission accomplished. Matt Villano Photography

Blau-Thompson Residence This Civil War era, 1680-square-foot three-story row house is located in the Italian Market section of Philadelphia. The BluPath Design principals and their young child were the clients. The project goal was to upgrade a traditional housing type to meet a contemporary lifestyle, applying both sustainable criteria and clean, modern yet sensual aesthetics. The challenge of the property (only 830 square feet in lot size) was to create a design that was small, but smart. The structure formerly housed a luncheonette with two apartments above. The interior was gutted and renovated into a single family home. The construction of a small rear addition added a new kitchen on the first floor and new bathrooms on the second and third levels. The east-west orientation of the home was ideal for the roof-mounted solar collectors, which were installed to provide domestic hot water and supplement the new radiant floor heating system. Exterior sensors improve the efficiency of the heating system's response to fluctuations in outside temperature. A new white-coated, rubber membrane roof reduced the structure's heat gain by 20 percent. A water catch system collects rainwater and air conditioner condensation to water the home's small rear garden. Large windows and skylights bring light deep into the row house and reduce the use of light fixtures. The rear yard garden features ipe decking (a dense, water-repellent hardwood) on permeable compacted gravel to minimize storm water runoff. BluPath Design’s principals used the project to demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated with beauty and function, with sensual materials and colors, well-proportioned and light-filled rooms, economic use of space, and thoughtful details. Cherry flooring and custom stairs complement the Indian slate tile in the kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen features custom walnut cabinets with blue granite counters and backsplashes. The first floor dining area is illuminated by a BluPath-designed fiber-optic chandelier. Ipe hardwood is also used for the master bath tub-surround and shower floor. Sliding frosted glass panels separating the master bath from other living areas allows light from the corner windows to naturally illuminate the adjacent room. Awards Honorable Mention for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency IIDA Philadelphia City Center Chapter 3rd Annual Interior Design Awards, June 2007 Bronze 2006 Commonwealth Design Award 10,000 Friends of PA, May 2006 Media HGTV ‘What You Get for the Money’ February 2007 Philadelphia Style Magazine March/April 2007 Philadelphia Inquirer June 11, 2006 Philadelphia CityPaper September 25-October 2, 2003 Photography by Barry Halkin

Great kitchen storage conveniences. See all your spices at once. Drawers make easy access to pots & pans, dishes, & cleaning supplies. Linens are ready for the table and silverware is neatly at hand.

This loft is situated in the former International Tailoring Company Building in New York’s East Village. The clients bought a top-floor loft and an abandoned mechanical room directly above it. Our task was to combine the rooftop space with the loft to create a cohesive triplex apartment. We achieved this by carefully opening up the roof’s 100-year-old structural members to install a staircase connecting the existing loft to the additional upper two levels. On the main floor, the first run of the staircase is located in the apartment's entry and is made of a sculptural form of dark oak. The second run of the staircase is more open, allowing light from the top level's many windows to filter into the spaces below. The existing main loft was gut-renovated to create a more open space. The open kitchen/living space was strategically positioned to be surrounded by the building’s huge industrial steel windows, taking advantage of the apartment's high vantage over Union Square. Opposite the windows, custom woodwork serves to unify the kitchen with the living room. The built-in spans the full width of the apartment with dark textured oak panels concealing the appliances, the TV, and creating ample storage. The blackened steel paneled backsplash and chunky black granite countertops complete the dark color palette used in the kitchen. Throughout the apartment, a play of dark and light elements creates a distinctive atmosphere. In the open living areas, the light pouring in from the large windows contrasts with the dark colors selected for the built environment. The more private spaces, such as the bedroom, have a darker feel, with walls and ceilings painted in a deep purple that borders on black alongside more dark oak custom built-ins. The dining room functions as a bridge between the public and private spaces, with walls and ceiling painted in the same moody purple and a vintage mirrored tile accent wall reflecting natural light from the adjacent room’s windows. The middle floor, which has fewer windows, is painted bright white to enhance light in the home office located there.. On the penthouse level, panoramic views were achieved by installing new floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels, supplementing the existing industrial steel windows, and opening onto an adjacent roof terrace. The top floor functions as a lounge overlooking the city and includes unique custom features, such as a steel multi-drop lighting fixture above the stairs, hanging glass and steel shelving, and a built-in wet bar. Here again, dark-colored finishes and materials are used as a counterpoint to the abundant light entering the space. A future plan for the apartment is to create a private roof garden on top of the penthouse with an outdoor stair connecting it to the roof terrace below.

This loft is situated in the former International Tailoring Company Building in New York’s East Village. The clients bought a top-floor loft and an abandoned mechanical room directly above it. Our task was to combine the rooftop space with the loft to create a cohesive triplex apartment. We achieved this by carefully opening up the roof’s 100-year-old structural members to install a staircase connecting the existing loft to the additional upper two levels. On the main floor, the first run of the staircase is located in the apartment's entry and is made of a sculptural form of dark oak. The second run of the staircase is more open, allowing light from the top level's many windows to filter into the spaces below. The existing main loft was gut-renovated to create a more open space. The open kitchen/living space was strategically positioned to be surrounded by the building’s huge industrial steel windows, taking advantage of the apartment's high vantage over Union Square. Opposite the windows, custom woodwork serves to unify the kitchen with the living room. The built-in spans the full width of the apartment with dark textured oak panels concealing the appliances, the TV, and creating ample storage. The blackened steel paneled backsplash and chunky black granite countertops complete the dark color palette used in the kitchen. Throughout the apartment, a play of dark and light elements creates a distinctive atmosphere. In the open living areas, the light pouring in from the large windows contrasts with the dark colors selected for the built environment. The more private spaces, such as the bedroom, have a darker feel, with walls and ceilings painted in a deep purple that borders on black alongside more dark oak custom built-ins. The dining room functions as a bridge between the public and private spaces, with walls and ceiling painted in the same moody purple and a vintage mirrored tile accent wall reflecting natural light from the adjacent room’s windows. The middle floor, which has fewer windows, is painted bright white to enhance light in the home office located there.. On the penthouse level, panoramic views were achieved by installing new floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels, supplementing the existing industrial steel windows, and opening onto an adjacent roof terrace. The top floor functions as a lounge overlooking the city and includes unique custom features, such as a steel multi-drop lighting fixture above the stairs, hanging glass and steel shelving, and a built-in wet bar. Here again, dark-colored finishes and materials are used as a counterpoint to the abundant light entering the space. A future plan for the apartment is to create a private roof garden on top of the penthouse with an outdoor stair connecting it to the roof terrace below.

Austin Street Buils A Custom Urban Residence by Seven Rivers Design + Build Highlight The defining feature of the Austin St. Build is the use of natural plaster walls throughout the interior. Plaster brings a quiet richness—subtle texture, visual depth, and a sense of solidity that makes the home feel both timeless and grounded. This material choice reinforces Seven Rivers Design + Build’s focus on craftsmanship and tactile, human-centered design. Detail Efficient Two-Story Living This 1,500-square-foot, two-story custom home is thoughtfully organized for comfort and flow. The main level includes a bedroom and full bathroom, along with an open kitchen and living area and a conveniently placed powder room. A light-filled, open stairwell leads to the second floor, which houses an additional bedroom and bathroom, creating a balanced and flexible layout well suited for urban living. High-Performance Building Envelope The exterior walls are constructed using Hebel Block (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete)—a high-performance building system that combines structural strength with excellent insulation. By incorporating air into the concrete matrix, Hebel Block delivers superior thermal performance while remaining lightweight and durable, contributing to the home’s overall energy efficiency. Energy-Efficient Comfort Systems Heating and cooling loads are intentionally minimized through envelope performance and system design. The home features in-floor radiant heating as the primary heat source, complemented by mini-split systems for supplemental heating and cooling. The result is a comfortable, efficient living environment with low operational demands. Durable, Timeless Finishes Windows: Andersen E-Series (aluminum-clad) Flooring: Natural slate on the main level Exterior Cladding: Traditional stucco Roof: Standing-seam metal Each material was selected for longevity, performance, and aesthetic restraint—supporting a home that will age gracefully over decades. The Seven Rivers Design + Build Approach The Austin St. Build exemplifies Seven Rivers Design + Build’s design/build philosophy: integrating architecture, materials, and systems into a cohesive whole. By pairing traditional finishes with modern building science, this project delivers a refined, efficient custom home that feels both contemporary and enduring.

Many recent renovations had already taken place at this phenomenal old Tudor home. The kitchen redo was saved for last. Our mission, imposed by our client, was to create a jaw-dropping, ultra-functional space for family and friends to gather in for years to come. Naturally, the new kitchen would have to reflect the style of the home seamlessly. One challenge was to incorporate very large professional style appliances into the space while keeping the feel of a stately, yet warm home. Custom wood panels were designed for the refrigerator units to give a furniture feel. A copper hood was designed to bring in an old world element. Wood panels were applied to all other appliances – two dishwashers, a wine refrigerator, and a beverage refrigerator. An iron I-beam that separated the original kitchen from the butler’s pantry and back entry was covered in wood with chamfers to match the other ceiling beams in the home by a local woodworker. Due to the age of the home, the outside walls are concrete block. This necessitated chiseling troughs into the concrete for electrical wiring. Ceilings were studded randomly, so finding openings for recessed lighting was hit or miss. A large cluster of wiring and plumbing to the second floor had to be hidden behind cabinetry to the left of and above the refrigerators. HVAC wasn’t straight forward either. Toe kick heaters from the old kitchen had to be replaced with other sources. A propane tank had to be added to fuel the large dual fuel, double oven range. The homeowner wanted to add a walk-in pantry for extra storage, so space was taken from an existing exterior space. This created the need for extra insulation, supplemental heat and added lighting. Needless to say, mechanicals were a big challenge. Natural stone was added in backsplash areas to the ceiling to mimic the rectangular stone on the exterior of the home. Wood panels fill the backsplash areas under wall cabinets. Large chandeliers light the space. Open shelves at the wet bar/prep area offer convenient storage for grab and go service items. A built-in pantry with antique mirrored mullion doors hides a microwave, several other small appliances as well as dishes and food items. This pantry was tucked into an alcove for an added architectural element. Herringbone wood floors are classic and timeless. Wrought iron hardware and shelf brackets fit right in. Large Barclay twist legs ground the island giving a nod to the Tudor style. Mission accomplished. Matt Villano Photography

Austin Street Buils A Custom Urban Residence by Seven Rivers Design + Build Highlight The defining feature of the Austin St. Build is the use of natural plaster walls throughout the interior. Plaster brings a quiet richness—subtle texture, visual depth, and a sense of solidity that makes the home feel both timeless and grounded. This material choice reinforces Seven Rivers Design + Build’s focus on craftsmanship and tactile, human-centered design. Detail Efficient Two-Story Living This 1,500-square-foot, two-story custom home is thoughtfully organized for comfort and flow. The main level includes a bedroom and full bathroom, along with an open kitchen and living area and a conveniently placed powder room. A light-filled, open stairwell leads to the second floor, which houses an additional bedroom and bathroom, creating a balanced and flexible layout well suited for urban living. High-Performance Building Envelope The exterior walls are constructed using Hebel Block (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete)—a high-performance building system that combines structural strength with excellent insulation. By incorporating air into the concrete matrix, Hebel Block delivers superior thermal performance while remaining lightweight and durable, contributing to the home’s overall energy efficiency. Energy-Efficient Comfort Systems Heating and cooling loads are intentionally minimized through envelope performance and system design. The home features in-floor radiant heating as the primary heat source, complemented by mini-split systems for supplemental heating and cooling. The result is a comfortable, efficient living environment with low operational demands. Durable, Timeless Finishes Windows: Andersen E-Series (aluminum-clad) Flooring: Natural slate on the main level Exterior Cladding: Traditional stucco Roof: Standing-seam metal Each material was selected for longevity, performance, and aesthetic restraint—supporting a home that will age gracefully over decades. The Seven Rivers Design + Build Approach The Austin St. Build exemplifies Seven Rivers Design + Build’s design/build philosophy: integrating architecture, materials, and systems into a cohesive whole. By pairing traditional finishes with modern building science, this project delivers a refined, efficient custom home that feels both contemporary and enduring.

This loft is situated in the former International Tailoring Company Building in New York’s East Village. The clients bought a top-floor loft and an abandoned mechanical room directly above it. Our task was to combine the rooftop space with the loft to create a cohesive triplex apartment. We achieved this by carefully opening up the roof’s 100-year-old structural members to install a staircase connecting the existing loft to the additional upper two levels. On the main floor, the first run of the staircase is located in the apartment's entry and is made of a sculptural form of dark oak. The second run of the staircase is more open, allowing light from the top level's many windows to filter into the spaces below. The existing main loft was gut-renovated to create a more open space. The open kitchen/living space was strategically positioned to be surrounded by the building’s huge industrial steel windows, taking advantage of the apartment's high vantage over Union Square. Opposite the windows, custom woodwork serves to unify the kitchen with the living room. The built-in spans the full width of the apartment with dark textured oak panels concealing the appliances, the TV, and creating ample storage. The blackened steel paneled backsplash and chunky black granite countertops complete the dark color palette used in the kitchen. Throughout the apartment, a play of dark and light elements creates a distinctive atmosphere. In the open living areas, the light pouring in from the large windows contrasts with the dark colors selected for the built environment. The more private spaces, such as the bedroom, have a darker feel, with walls and ceilings painted in a deep purple that borders on black alongside more dark oak custom built-ins. The dining room functions as a bridge between the public and private spaces, with walls and ceiling painted in the same moody purple and a vintage mirrored tile accent wall reflecting natural light from the adjacent room’s windows. The middle floor, which has fewer windows, is painted bright white to enhance light in the home office located there.. On the penthouse level, panoramic views were achieved by installing new floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels, supplementing the existing industrial steel windows, and opening onto an adjacent roof terrace. The top floor functions as a lounge overlooking the city and includes unique custom features, such as a steel multi-drop lighting fixture above the stairs, hanging glass and steel shelving, and a built-in wet bar. Here again, dark-colored finishes and materials are used as a counterpoint to the abundant light entering the space. A future plan for the apartment is to create a private roof garden on top of the penthouse with an outdoor stair connecting it to the roof terrace below.

Austin Street Buils A Custom Urban Residence by Seven Rivers Design + Build Highlight The defining feature of the Austin St. Build is the use of natural plaster walls throughout the interior. Plaster brings a quiet richness—subtle texture, visual depth, and a sense of solidity that makes the home feel both timeless and grounded. This material choice reinforces Seven Rivers Design + Build’s focus on craftsmanship and tactile, human-centered design. Detail Efficient Two-Story Living This 1,500-square-foot, two-story custom home is thoughtfully organized for comfort and flow. The main level includes a bedroom and full bathroom, along with an open kitchen and living area and a conveniently placed powder room. A light-filled, open stairwell leads to the second floor, which houses an additional bedroom and bathroom, creating a balanced and flexible layout well suited for urban living. High-Performance Building Envelope The exterior walls are constructed using Hebel Block (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete)—a high-performance building system that combines structural strength with excellent insulation. By incorporating air into the concrete matrix, Hebel Block delivers superior thermal performance while remaining lightweight and durable, contributing to the home’s overall energy efficiency. Energy-Efficient Comfort Systems Heating and cooling loads are intentionally minimized through envelope performance and system design. The home features in-floor radiant heating as the primary heat source, complemented by mini-split systems for supplemental heating and cooling. The result is a comfortable, efficient living environment with low operational demands. Durable, Timeless Finishes Windows: Andersen E-Series (aluminum-clad) Flooring: Natural slate on the main level Exterior Cladding: Traditional stucco Roof: Standing-seam metal Each material was selected for longevity, performance, and aesthetic restraint—supporting a home that will age gracefully over decades. The Seven Rivers Design + Build Approach The Austin St. Build exemplifies Seven Rivers Design + Build’s design/build philosophy: integrating architecture, materials, and systems into a cohesive whole. By pairing traditional finishes with modern building science, this project delivers a refined, efficient custom home that feels both contemporary and enduring.

This loft is situated in the former International Tailoring Company Building in New York’s East Village. The clients bought a top-floor loft and an abandoned mechanical room directly above it. Our task was to combine the rooftop space with the loft to create a cohesive triplex apartment. We achieved this by carefully opening up the roof’s 100-year-old structural members to install a staircase connecting the existing loft to the additional upper two levels. On the main floor, the first run of the staircase is located in the apartment's entry and is made of a sculptural form of dark oak. The second run of the staircase is more open, allowing light from the top level's many windows to filter into the spaces below. The existing main loft was gut-renovated to create a more open space. The open kitchen/living space was strategically positioned to be surrounded by the building’s huge industrial steel windows, taking advantage of the apartment's high vantage over Union Square. Opposite the windows, custom woodwork serves to unify the kitchen with the living room. The built-in spans the full width of the apartment with dark textured oak panels concealing the appliances, the TV, and creating ample storage. The blackened steel paneled backsplash and chunky black granite countertops complete the dark color palette used in the kitchen. Throughout the apartment, a play of dark and light elements creates a distinctive atmosphere. In the open living areas, the light pouring in from the large windows contrasts with the dark colors selected for the built environment. The more private spaces, such as the bedroom, have a darker feel, with walls and ceilings painted in a deep purple that borders on black alongside more dark oak custom built-ins. The dining room functions as a bridge between the public and private spaces, with walls and ceiling painted in the same moody purple and a vintage mirrored tile accent wall reflecting natural light from the adjacent room’s windows. The middle floor, which has fewer windows, is painted bright white to enhance light in the home office located there.. On the penthouse level, panoramic views were achieved by installing new floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels, supplementing the existing industrial steel windows, and opening onto an adjacent roof terrace. The top floor functions as a lounge overlooking the city and includes unique custom features, such as a steel multi-drop lighting fixture above the stairs, hanging glass and steel shelving, and a built-in wet bar. Here again, dark-colored finishes and materials are used as a counterpoint to the abundant light entering the space. A future plan for the apartment is to create a private roof garden on top of the penthouse with an outdoor stair connecting it to the roof terrace below.

Austin Street Buils A Custom Urban Residence by Seven Rivers Design + Build Highlight The defining feature of the Austin St. Build is the use of natural plaster walls throughout the interior. Plaster brings a quiet richness—subtle texture, visual depth, and a sense of solidity that makes the home feel both timeless and grounded. This material choice reinforces Seven Rivers Design + Build’s focus on craftsmanship and tactile, human-centered design. Detail Efficient Two-Story Living This 1,500-square-foot, two-story custom home is thoughtfully organized for comfort and flow. The main level includes a bedroom and full bathroom, along with an open kitchen and living area and a conveniently placed powder room. A light-filled, open stairwell leads to the second floor, which houses an additional bedroom and bathroom, creating a balanced and flexible layout well suited for urban living. High-Performance Building Envelope The exterior walls are constructed using Hebel Block (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete)—a high-performance building system that combines structural strength with excellent insulation. By incorporating air into the concrete matrix, Hebel Block delivers superior thermal performance while remaining lightweight and durable, contributing to the home’s overall energy efficiency. Energy-Efficient Comfort Systems Heating and cooling loads are intentionally minimized through envelope performance and system design. The home features in-floor radiant heating as the primary heat source, complemented by mini-split systems for supplemental heating and cooling. The result is a comfortable, efficient living environment with low operational demands. Durable, Timeless Finishes Windows: Andersen E-Series (aluminum-clad) Flooring: Natural slate on the main level Exterior Cladding: Traditional stucco Roof: Standing-seam metal Each material was selected for longevity, performance, and aesthetic restraint—supporting a home that will age gracefully over decades. The Seven Rivers Design + Build Approach The Austin St. Build exemplifies Seven Rivers Design + Build’s design/build philosophy: integrating architecture, materials, and systems into a cohesive whole. By pairing traditional finishes with modern building science, this project delivers a refined, efficient custom home that feels both contemporary and enduring.

Close-up view of the counter-standing cabinet with the Matte Twilight interior finish. All adjustable shelves with additional storage on each door. The cabinet is finished off with a one piece crown moulding to match the mirror frames and take the design to the ceiling. Cabinets by Brookhaven featuring the Westchester door style on Quarter Sawn Red oak with a Matte Twilight finish. Caesarstone countertops and chrome fixtures throughout. Photography by Marcio Dufranc