Munter and Russel Residence | I-Beam Architecture & Design

Casper Munter, a Danish lawyer, and Suzanne Russell, an American artist, approached I-Beam Design to renovate their 1500 square foot New York City property. The couple was interested in keeping the space as open and raw as possible which lead to the transformation of the cramped two-bedroom/two bath apartment into an open and flexible loft. Inspired by Suzanne’s art from the “Wallpaper,” “De Composition,” “Meditation,” “Soft Wood” and “Conflux” series as well as Casper’s keen eye for perfection and minimalism, we embarked on a collaborative journey to translate their desires into a three dimensional habitable space that reflects their personalities and ideals. The physical properties and history of materials as well as layers and textures became a focal point of the renovation reflecting some features of Suzanne’s artwork. All walls were stripped down to the original brick exposing the history of the two row house buildings prior to their condo conversion in the 1980s. Old window openings, which had been a light shaft between the 2 buildings prior to the conversion, were reopened in the bathroom and hallway. By studying the artist’s work and her interest in “a universe of interrelated parts that is always moving and changing,” incorporation of sliding doors, built-in cabinets and glass with the brick openings became one of the main features of the apartment, transforming and celebrating the visual and historical cross connections within the space. “Smart Glass” windows that transition from clear to frosted at the flick of a switch transform the views between the bathroom, kitchen and entry to illuminate and reveal the different spaces while providing privacy when needed. The extension of materials between the bathroom and kitchen link the two spaces in unexpected ways. Reclaimed antique subway tiles in the kitchen also surround the bathtub in the bathroom. The Caesar Stone “pebble” kitchen countertop wraps around the cabinets and cascades onto sills and shelves in the bathroom creating functional continuity with materials. A third window connects the bathroom and bedroom with cabinetry that is accessible from the bathroom. A glass transom above maintains the visual connection between the two spaces and a reveal around the cabinetry emphasizes the original brick opening and wood lintel. A hallway leading into the bathroom reveals its history as a former shaftway between early 20th century row houses. By keeping it exposed and incorporating a mirror on the bathroom door, the unique character of this interstitial space is extended beyond. Reclaimed white oak flooring and a recycled wood beam as part of the kitchen counter added another layer of depth to the existing materials and character of the apartment. A large sliding door separates the living area from the guest bedroom while a set of tri-sliding doors that pocket between closets divide the large bedroom area into two separate rooms as needed.