From the sidewalks of New York’s 5th Avenue, oversized arched windows frame a double-height marble bar, teasing the first glimpse of Moss. The posh, new members club is housed across four levels of a new build by KPF. The club distinguishes itself with an opulent design by Charles & Co that embodies an elevated extension of domestic comfort and the club’s focus on “intelligent leisure” and “physical culture.”
“Each space is meant to feel like a better version of your home. It’s comfortable, inviting, and familiar. We wanted the design to be era-less, drawing inspiration from the location to create spaces that feel authentic to their setting and timeless in spirit,” said Katie Miller, creative director of Charles & Co. “This location, in particular, is special because it draws energy from the city itself. Our job was to harness that energy to create spaces where people can gather, relax, learn, and enjoy.”
The club’s principles of intelligent leisure and physical culture inform the design, conceived to emphasize exploration and creative cultivation. Patterned handprinted wallpaper, textural Venetian plaster, and sumptuous upholstery imbue a sense of intimacy across Moss’s expansive interiors.
The space promotes versatility and comfort while fostering community. The bar serves as the nucleus of the F&B hub on Moss’s second floor, which houses the sociable eatery Babette, and the sun-drenched Bar Babette alongside a stately coworking lounge. Space for work and focus are housed one floor above, where a mezzanine overlooks the centerpiece bar. The topmost floor houses multifunctional areas, like an inviting symposium, private meeting and dining rooms, and a vinyl listening room that doubles as a karaoke booth. Also featured are a game room and a fully equipped podcast recording studio clad with triple-glazed laminated glass windows for optimal acoustics.
Further distinguishing Moss is a rich but nuanced palette of, as Miller put it, “not quite color.” She added, “Rather than relying on true primaries, each hue is an earthier, more sophisticated interpretation.” Expressed through layered upholstery and textured wallcoverings, deep aubergine, powdery blue, hunter teal, and burnished gold enrich the atmosphere with depth and lived-in elegance. An onsite art program highlighting a range of emerging local talent also affirms a design-driven perspective and a sense of place.
In addition to a library bar and the cozy but refined piano lounge, Moss touts a subterranean wellness destination aptly named Bedrock Aquatics & Athletics. Spanning 20,000 square feet and two floors, Bedrock comprises a sauna, spa, hammam, plunge pools, and a gym bedecked with bespoke equipment—rounding out a thoughtfully curated experience from foundation to crown. “We sought to evoke the character of an antique building,” Miller said, “incorporating timeless details, such as full stone slabs and custom mosaics that bring a sense of craftsmanship and permanence to the space.”