Manhattan’s reign as New York City’s premier borough is seeing steep competition, given Brooklyn’s swelling number of new luxury real-estate developments. Clustered in the downtown Brooklyn area, soaring new residential towers have changed the neighbourhood’s skyline and demographic to something more familiarly seen on the other side of the East River. Of all the new additions, The Brooklyn Tower, a supertall skyscraper designed by Shop Architects and developed by JDS Development Group, is literally set to break the ceiling.
Over 1,000ft in height and 93 storeys tall, the residential tower is a future landmark that also makes nods to Brooklyn’s past.
In the living room, an armchair by RH, vintage Danish sofa, side table with stone top by Menu, ceramic (on side table) by Bzippy, throw from Stella Tribeca, rug by Joseph Carini Carpets.
Located beside the historic Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn, a preserved historic landmark, The Brooklyn Tower houses both rental and condominium residences; the latter are situated from the 53rd floor and upwards. Offering incredible panoramic views, thanks to a hexagonal footprint that was predetermined by the bank’s original architecture, the building is a sublime mix of interlocking forms and cascading setbacks, constructed of glossy black glass and elegant brass and bronze-toned steel fluting, that reference its historic surroundings.
The Brooklyn Tower and, at its base, the historic Dime Savings Bank.
This expressive dialogue extends to the building’s interior, where design studio Gachot has conceptualised all the apartment interiors. Warm, yet elegant, an array of astute choices, such as custom-designed kitchens featuring black granite countertops and a bronze mirrored backsplash, and rich mahogany wood cabinetry and doors, combine with the floor-to-ceiling windows, incomparable views and multiple exposures that each of the numerous residential layouts hold.
In the kitchen, bar stools by JDS and a custom pendant lamp by Gachot.
‘The site is so unique, and the view corridors are like nothing you’ve ever seen,’ says Christine Gachot, the studio’s co-founder. ‘The façade and its hexagonal form really defined the priorities of the organisation for the interior layout. There were no parallel walls; the layouts of the units were not as straightforward as they typically are. It was a really interesting exercise to get right.
‘We were inspired by the tower’s timeless glamour and melodic dance with the historic Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn,’ she continues. ‘Our interiors at The Brooklyn Tower harness a sense of calm on a decidedly human scale, paired with breathtaking views of New York City and beyond.’
The principal bathroom, top, and second bathroom, above. Featured are custom fixtures by Waterworks, custom mirrors by Gachot, and stone mosaic floors in a pattern designed by the studio.
The apartments’ principal bathrooms have each been fitted with marble baths and a ribbon of oil-rubbed brass trim to exude a jewellery-like effect. Vanities, again custom-designed by Gachot, combine light mahogany millwork with fluted glass sconces that have been seamlessly integrated. In larger units, a powder room, elegantly encased in mahogany, creates a particularly jaw-dropping moment when guests stand inside. Completed by Waterworks fixtures in a satin brass finish, the space brings a hospitality feel to epitomise modern living.
‘The kitchens and the bathrooms are a direct reference to what’s happening with the façade material. It’s all a riff on what the Shop Architects team was trying to accomplish with the façade,’ she adds. ‘Sometimes you have projects where everyone is doing their own thing, but here, we really worked hand in hand. There was nothing that was ever presented that we were not all on board with and working towards.’
The powder room. Photography: Adrian Gaut
No detail has been left to chance, be it the granite and marble mosaic floor accents that again hark back to the Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn, or the rich, yet restrained mahogany and brass entryways to each of the residences.
‘There certainly is a level of sophistication from everyone involved,’ Gachot concludes. ‘It’s definitely elegant and slightly unexpected.
In the master bedroom, the bed is by Rove Concepts, throw by Bed Threads, bedside table by All Modern, rug by Joseph Carini Carpets, lamp by Stone and Sawyer.
Dining room furniture includes a walnut table by Bertu Furniture, vintage dining chairs by Rajmund Halas, and a pendant lamp by Le Lampade.
A view through to the kitchen and living space.
A vintage table lamp in the dining area.
The kitchen and dining area. Photography: Adrian Gaut
Charlotte Perriand-inspired daybed from Amsterdam Modern in the office/den.
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