Limestone satisfies personal and business demands

In redesigning the penthouse of a Manhattan building, a palette of various limestone materials was chosen to create a space that would serve as both a private residence and an area for corporate entertaining

For a recent renovation that involved converting a commercial space into a corporate apartment and office, natural stone was mixed with wood, aluminum and glass to create a contemporary style. The light color of the stone assisted in achieving the design intention, which was to conjure an open airy feel.

“The loft was previously a commercial space that was gutted and renovated,” said Charles Rabinovitch of Charles M. Rabinovitch Architects in New York City, when speaking about the 800-square-foot Manhattan apartment. “One of the main challenges of this project was the importance of the materials. We wanted to use a lot of materials that are heavy, in terms of natural stone, but in a way to open up the space. There is only one wall with little windows, so we had to compensate for that.”

The loft - located on the penthouse level - functions as a private residence as well as a space for corporate entertaining. The various functions of everyday life are all accommodated in individual - but also interconnected - areas, which flow from one to another, according to the architect. “The spatial clues which help to define and contain the various functions are subtle elements such as ceiling planes, floor surfaces and the elevated platform which holds the living/sleeping areas,” he said.

A uniform material

Throughout the main area of the space, 16- x 16-inch tiles of Bulgarian limestone - supplied by Paris Ceramics of New York - were employed. Complementing the stone is a bedroom platform made from “rift cut” white oak planks. A hidden light strip separates the elevated sleeping area from the stone flooring.

“Limestone is not something that we typically use in high-traffic areas, but this is essentially a corporate apartment that doesn't get heavy use,” said Rabinovitch. “The limestone is very light and uniform in color. We were looking for a very uniform material, so this fit the bill.”

According to the architect, the kitchen is unique - featuring an interesting combination of materials and appliances. “The cabinetry is all custom fabricated out of natural finish anodized aluminum, and the counters are fabricated from sandblasted Verde Silver granite,” he said. “The backsplash surface is faced with etched green glass mirror, which complements the muted glow of the aluminum cabinetry surfaces. All appliances are concealed beneath matching aluminum cover panels.” The countertops were supplied by Haifa Stone of Long Island City, NY.

Adding texture

The use of stone continues into the bathroom, where 1- x 1-inch mosaic pieces of Jerusalem Stone, which were supplied by Paris Ceramics, form the floor. Additionally, a colorful mosaic border punctuates the warm limestone tile walls. Both materials were purchased from Studium V of New York.

“Essentially, it is a break from the minimal feel of the rest of the loft,” said Rabinovitch. “We were looking for a little more texture and smaller scale pieces. The background tone is similar to limestone, and pulls everything together - the stainless steel and high-tech glass sink.”

A small powder room also features Jerusalem Stone walls and flooring, complemented by a mosaic stone border, which is topped off with a trim piece. The warm colors of the stone further contribute to the style of the home.

The architect explained that his client owns the commercial building which houses the loft, and there is also an office on the penthouse level. The elevator lobby on this floor consists of pieces of French limestone with varying flamed and honed finishes that were placed in a brick format on the walls. The rows of tile were broken up by stone bands with alternating finishes, and the floor is comprised of large-format tiles of French limestone with a honed finish. The material was supplied by Paris Ceramics.

“The lobby space is intended to be compatible with the business side, and work with the residential use on the other side,” said Rabinovitch. The entire project was completed in about nine months.

Corporate Residence

New York, NY

Architect: Charles M. Rabinovitch Architects, New York, NY

General Contractor: Moshe Hertzberg Interiors, New York, NY

Stone Suppliers: Haifa Stone, Long Island City, NY (granite); Paris Ceramics (Bulgarian limestone, French limestone and Jerusalem Stone mosaic); Studium V, New York, NY (bathroom wall tile and mosaic)

Contractor: Norwegian Wood, New York, NY (wood planking)