shigeru ban architects: metal shutter houses

'metal shutter houses' by shigeru ban architects located in new york city, new york
images © shigeru ban architects


new york's newest high-end complex 'metal shutter houses' by japan based shigeru ban architects and new york based 
dean maltz is now complete. the dynamic minimalist cube is the firm's first residential project in the city and is located within the
vicinity of the recently expanded high line project. eight duplex houses are contained within the the eleven story building along
with a lobby and art gallery at street level.

two predominant facades are formed from a series of large square openings, each one representing an individual home.
the voids are treated with motorized shutters which visually respond to the ubiquitous presence of retractable gates within
the urban context. as dwellers open and close their personal portals, the arrangement of cubes frequently shifts and
alters the outward appearance.



overview of front facade


operable floor to ceiling bi-fold doors allow continuity between the individual dwellings' lower and upper levels blurring the
definition of interior and exterior spaces. adapted from airport hanger doors, this window wall becomes a sound proof enclosure
to deter undesired urban noises. sliding partitions are used instead of permanent walls to generate an open floor plan with
ultimate flexibility. ranging from 1,950 to 4,644 square feet, the architect tailored each floor plan to produce unique experiences
and optimize the different views. a five bedroom penthouse is perched at the highest level with roof terraces and views of the
hudson river and city.



(left) facade when all shutters and windows are open
(right) facade when shutters are randomly open and closed



(left) shutters open, windows closed
(right) shutters open, windows open



facade entirely closed



facade detail



at night



house floor plan / level 0



house floor plan / level 1



section



elevation


project info:


design architects: shigeru ban architects + dean maltz architect
interiors: shigeru ban architects + dean maltz architect
executive architect: montroy demarco, llp
developers: heea development llc, a development of spiritos properties and klemens gasser exclusive marketing & sales agent: corcoran sunshine marketing group