Overlooking New York’s Central Park, the newly renovated Fifth Avenue Apartment by local firm Architecture Research Office (ARO) belongs to a scientist and art historian whose primary goal was to create a home suitable for their prized art collection. Located within an original 1920 Rosario Candela–designed building, the apartment unites the artwork with the building’s art deco details.
When entering the 3,650-square-foot residence, ample natural light accompanies the eggshell walls and rich black walnut floors. This muted base serves to enhance the impressive collection of art that is strategically displayed throughout the residence using a hanging track within a continuous reveal where the wall meets the ceiling. The collection includes colorful pieces from Georgia O’Keeffe, Marsden Hartley, and Stuart Davis, and objects by artists such as Josef Hoffman, John Storrs, and Max Weber, to name a few.
The notable art collection not only offers a strong visual presence and importance to the overall design, but it also influenced the grand reconstruction of the air conditioning system along with humidification to protect the collection. Adam Yarinsky, a principal of ARO, shared with AN Interior how this process was both the most difficult and rewarding component of the renovation: “A core part of this project was infrastructural, and, in a historic building like this 1920s Candela, that can be incredibly challenging.” Yarinsky continued, “We had to remove everything down to the structure in order to weave in the systems as tightly as possible to preserve the generous proportions of the existing rooms.”
While the layout and proportions were maintained, the interior’s finishes are entirely new. In the living and dining room, the new stone fireplace surrounds are carved from solid blocks of Grigio Verona marble. “We wanted to draw out connections between the art deco details of the building and the clients’ extensive collection of midcentury modern objects and furniture,” shared Kim Yao, a principal at ARO. “The mantles’ clean lines and stepped profiles compliment and respond to both styles without literally emulating each other.” The marble doesn’t stop at the fireplaces, rather it is a continuous material language that travels throughout the apartment in unique and creative ways. It also appears in the bathroom countertops, walls, the vestibule flooring, and narrow window sills. The use of marble is a strong supporting actor to the original art and furniture pieces that take center stage in the home.
To contrast the marble, wood was used. The expansive kitchen pantry showcases white oak accompanied with black walnut floors and granite countertops. Tigerwood and glass shelving is located in the sitting room. The most drastic wood application can be found in each of the two individual dressing rooms: the two spaces are clad in a light cerused oak and walnut.
At Fifth Avenue Apartment, ARO maintained the original spirit of the design while implementing changes. When asked how to describe the project, Yao said, “Gracious. This word describes both the apartment itself and the people who live there. The design is very subtle and understated with refined material choices that quietly distinguish the space. While the clients’ elegant lifestyle and tastes informed the design’s sophistication, their warmth and approachability made our collaboration a wonderful experience.”