Zaha Hadid New York Residence is an Artful Urban Family Home

Reflecting the unique exterior architecture, the latest model residence at Zaha Hadid’s New York apartment building is a melding of art and architecture. The rooms in this 3,000 square-foot, three-bedroom residence by interior designer Eric Cohler are all the epitome of modern streamlined luxury.

The stylish interior is still defined by the unique curves of the exterior.
The stylish interior is still defined by the unique curves of the exterior.

Hadid’s 520 West 28th was her first project In New York as well as one of her last before her unexpected death in 2016. The architecturally complex building sits in a prime location along the city’s High Line — a 1.5-mile-long elevated park on a former railroad track — in the West Chelsea neighborhood. Cohler’s vision for the home is a stylish and liveable urban residence for a family of four.

Cohler set out to honor Hadid’s vision with his design, focusing on comfortable furniture, unusual textiles and colorful artworks. The open layout is united through the use of pieces of furniture that pivot, which help blur the boundaries between the various spaces.

The distinctive lines of the exterior are part of the view from the living room.
The distinctive lines of the exterior are part of the view from the living room.

From the elegant living room, the view includes the other side of the building, offering a glimpse of the unusual sinuous curves that form the structure and balconies. The face is hand-crafted from 900 steel panels in an homage to the Chelsea neighborhood’s industrial past and New York’s architectural history.

Masterful use of color adds just the right accents to the room.
Masterful use of color adds just the right accents to the room.

This corner of the living room highlights the sleek white wall panels that Hadid had installed in each apartment. The opalescent finish accents the curves and is an ideal backdrop for the colorful art and furnishings. The sofa is a custom design by Cohler, created to fit the curve of the wall. The 12-foot sofa has an elegant bend that allows for seating up to 10 people.

Curves become the focus with this window seat construction.
Curves become the focus with this window seat construction.

The kitchen is bright and airy, with a window seat that is highlighted by the large rounded window. The entire apartment has a sinuous feel thanks to the curves that dominate not just the exterior, but also the interior spaces. A monochrome white palette in the kitchen area pushes the focus to the art and the textiles. Streamlined furnishings and accessories that are decidedly unfussy create a relaxing interior that is ideal for an urban family.

The unique kitchen island adds interest to the otherwise linear space.
The unique kitchen island adds interest to the otherwise linear space.

Even the kitchen island features a curving silhouette that transforms what is usually a hulking centerpiece to an intriguing architectural element. Sitting atop a matte floor surface that is just dark enough to accent the island, it is highly functional as well as sleekly stylish. Rounded modern pendants add just a bit of shine to the space without detracting from the serene feel.

The minimalist faucet does not clutter the visual appeal of the kitchen.
The minimalist faucet does not clutter the visual appeal of the kitchen.

The 11-story development houses 39 unique residences and boasts an array of luxury amenities that include an automated valet that tends to residents’ vehicles while parking and retrieving cars on call. The building also has one of the world’s first private IMAX theatres with a 12-seat theatre, where residents can the full IMAX library. the building also features a wellness level with a 75-foot sky-lit pool, full gym, and 24-hour juice bar. The spa suite includes a hot tub, rain showers, treatment beds, plunge pool, sauna, and steam room.

Of course, advanced home automation capabilities are a central feature and automated storage that is incorporated was inspired by the design of a Swiss bank vault.

The light sky blue used on the wall and column gives the space an ethereal feeling.
The light sky blue used on the wall and column gives the space an ethereal feeling.

To enhance the serenity of the space, Cohler chose a soft color palette for the master bedroom. The textural feeling is achieved by embracing the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which focuses on accepting transience and imperfection. The space is dreamy yet grounded and serves as a retreat high above the bustling activity on the streets. One of the two expansive balconies is off the master bedroom and has amazing views of the city, the Chelsea skyline, and the ever-popular High Line.

The master bathroom is luxurious in its minimalism.
The master bathroom is luxurious in its minimalism.

The bathroom is a calming marble marvel that features a free-standing soaking tub next to the floor-to-ceiling window. Sheer drapes offer privacy when necessary and a stylish occasional table serves as a spot for bath accessories.  A double vanity is wall-mounted to maintain the expansive feeling of the floor space. A massive mirror above the vanity reflects the light coming from the window, adding to the brightness of the bathroom.

Streamlined fixtures also contribute to the uncluttered nature of the space.
Streamlined fixtures also contribute to the uncluttered nature of the space.
The kids' bedroom is a sophisticated, yet child-friendly design.
The kids’ bedroom is a sophisticated, yet child-friendly design.

The children’s room features a bright primary color scheme that creates a friendly environment. The highly original decor focuses on a color palette of yellow, green and blue. Stuffed animals and the animal rug, along with the focal bright green hue could almost be labeled an urban jungle theme. The animal style rug also echoes the striped chair as well as the feature wall behind the bunk bed. Storage units incorporated at the end of the bunk beds help conceal clutter and can serve as a shelf for bedtime reading. The design is very kid-friendly without being too juvenile or gender-specific.

“520 West 28th Street is pure sculpture. People who make a conscious decision to live here understand great architecture and the relationship of structures to their environment. Zaha Hadid was masterful in the way that she torqued the facade, extenuating the horizontal plane while connecting the interior to the city beyond through an almost complete dissolve between the two,” explains Cohler.