Garage - traditional garage idea in Atlanta

Balcony - balcony idea in Dallas

Inspiration for a modern landscaping in Miami.

Chris Robinson
Bathroom - traditional bathroom idea in Chicago

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 ©

The distinguishing trait of the I Naturali series is soil. A substance which on the one hand recalls all things primordial and on the other the possibility of being plied. As a result, the slab made from the ceramic lends unique value to the settings it clads.

Example of an arts and crafts entryway design in Seattle

Home design - farmhouse home design idea in Atlanta

Powder room wallpaper installation – Queen Creek, AZ. This powder room in Queen Creek bursts with color, thanks to tropical wallpaper filled with layered palm leaves and florals in coral and jade. Installed from floor to ceiling, the print transforms the small space into a bold and lively retreat.

Elegant hallway photo in Atlanta

Family room - mid-sized contemporary open concept dark wood floor and brown floor family room idea in Sacramento with gray walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and no tv

Home design - contemporary home design idea in Amsterdam

3 of 3 Bathrooms - this bathroom was given a face-lift. The original walls were repaired, hardwood flooring replaced with new Maple solid flooring, new KOHLER two piece toilet, new white vanity installed with marble top, new Robern recessed medicine cabinet, new millwork, Brizo light fixtures and faucet and paint throughout.

Minimalist kitchen photo in Miami

Custom Made StruXure Adjustable Pergola featuring fully enclosed sitting area with Phantom motorized screens for added privacy, wind and bug protection. Pergola also includes recessed dimmable LED lights, electric heater by Bromic and multi-colour accent lighting.

Art by Rica Belna. Print up to 6x6 feet.
Home design - mid-sized modern home design idea in San Francisco