New York-based Builtin Studio has reoriented the living spaces of a home overlooking the High Line to create an “urban observatory”.
The duplex apartment is located on high floor within “one of West Chelsea’s most iconic buildings,” according to Builtin Studio, which completed the full architecture and interiors for the overhaul.
At the High Line Duplex, the main living spaces were moved upstairs to make the most of the views
After owning the home for a decade, the residents decided to spend more time here, prompting a desire to switch around the functions of its two floors.
The main living spaces were shifted upstairs, where they could open onto a wraparound terrace and make the most of panoramic views across Manhattan.
A stainless steel kitchen features three custom-designed monolithic elements
“The move allowed for the lower level, previously home to the main living spaces, to be reimagined into a more private and versatile space for hosting guests and extended family,” said Builtin Studio.
The lower-level transformation included the creation of two new bedrooms, a dedicated office space, and a full bathroom in what was formerly the kitchen and living zone.
The wraparound terrace is now directly accessible from the living area
Upstairs, a stainless steel kitchen comprises three custom-designed elements: two monolithic islands and a wall unit that incorporates a bar.
“These sculptural insertions elevate the kitchen beyond utility, giving a strong architectural presence while remaining minimal enough to support the clients’ significant art collection,” Builtin Studio said.
Builtin Studio combines and renovates two Upper West Side apartments
Open-plan dining and lounge areas follow along the floor-to-ceiling glass, mixing details like architectural track lighting with an eclectic range of vintage and contemporary furniture.
“The interior style blends contemporary minimalism with moments of playful maximalism,” said the studio. “While the architecture and finishes are intentionally restrained, acting as a clean canvas for the ever-evolving art and furniture collection, curated flourishes punctuate the design.”
More intimate spaces were created on the lower level, including a study
Notable pieces from the clients’ existing collection include a vintage Jean Royère desk, a John Derian sofa pair, Max Lamb chairs, and outdoor pieces by Knoll from 1966.
Other noteworthy moments can be found in the bathrooms – artist Damien Hirst’s Pharmacy Silver Wallpaper lines a powder room, while striated black and white marble wraps a full bath.
The lower-level rooms encompass the angled glass walls and sculptural structure of the building
Across the lower level, the rooms encompass the angled glass walls and sculptural structure of the existing architecture by Neil M Denari Architects, which completed the building in 2012 – see the renderings from 2008 here.
Meanwhile, the Capoferri glass panels across the upper living space can now fully retract as intended, thanks to restoration efforts from the team.
“When the glass walls are open and the boundaries between inside and outside disappear, the home transforms into an urban observatory: one that balances function, serenity, and inspiration in equal measure,” said Builtin Studio.
Noteworthy moments were created in the apartment’s bathrooms
Founded in 2008 by Gary Eisner and Terence Kinee, the firm has also completed the expansion of an Upper West Side apartment into the adjacent unit.
Other projects along the popular High Line park include BIG’s twisting One High Line skyscrapers and Heatherwick Studio’s Lantern House – both of which are visible from the duplex bedrooms and terrace.
The photography is by Read McKendree.
Project credits:
General contractor: KJ Remodeling
A/V: FIKS Consultants
MEP engineering: CES engineer
Styling: Mariana Marcki