Nestled in Hudson Square not far from Tribeca, this mixed-use commercial and residential development featured hundreds of custom bronze-clad windows, doors, and details. Originally built as a coal plant in the 19th century, the redevelopment was a successful attempt at marrying the old with the new. We used a combination of copper-clad teak and white oak for the windows across various floors. The custom bronze details were a striking addition to the building’s industrial facade.
Architect: Cookfox Architects, DPC |
Location: New York, NY |
Area: 4304 sq.ft |
Year of completion: 2022 |
Open AWD was asked to design custom window and door units for the building. Because the development fell under the Landmarks Preservation Commission, it was subject to strict guidelines governing the type and style of windows and doors.
Open Architectural Windows and Doors was delighted to be asked to join a team of developers and architects who sought to redevelop a 19th century industrial warehouse into a modernist masterpiece. Located in the heart of Manhattan, the project involved the gutting of a large, historical redbrick building and its complete renovation.
Our team spent thousands of hours researching, planning, and modeling different types of windows to suit the unique look of the building.
We not only wanted to retain the historic look and feel of the windows, we wanted to modernize them and ensure they were as energy efficient as possible.
Because of its Manhattan location and its proximity to the river, it made no sense to try and retain the original wooden windows. It was, however, possible to retain a similar aesthetic to wooden windows.
Our team also spent a considerable amount of time researching the best possible hardware for the units. Again, performance and durability were important factors in choosing these elements.
The production process for this project was a particularly long and rigorous one. We needed everything to be perfect and there were many variables. We compiled dozens of possible models for the IGUs. Many of the units were oversized and each was custom-made to suit the building’s arched windows.
The muntins we used for this project, for example, were specifically designed for these windows only. We mocked up multiple models before settling on the exact ones everyone agreed on. Once everyone was happy with these, we finalized each unit and sent off our plans to the manufacturing company.
You can see two pictures above of what remained after the old windows were removed. Below, you can see our windows installed.
After this, we had some mock-up sample units created, we water-tested them in the factory. This was done multiple times to ensure that they were adequately water-resistant. The installation team tested the units once they arrived in New York, prior to installation. Subsequently, they tested the units thoroughly post-installation.
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We used a unique combination of materials for each of the units we designed. For example, we used a custom bronze profile for the ground floor storefront facade.
On the first and second floors we used cladded windows. These featured a teak interior and had bronze-clad exteriors.
We also created a number of custom-made bronze details and finishes to several of the units. It gives the windows and the entire façade a distinct look. Decorative elements were specially designed by the architects. All the fastenings of these elements were meticulously concealed inside the frame.
Door Handles
These unique pull handles were a combination of high-quality wood, with wooden and bronze inserts, and a concealed fastener.
Our production advantage lies in our efficient organisation process and the fact we only use best-in-class equipment—all of which makes our high quality products possible.
If you have a project in mind and would like to learn more about our windows and doors, please contact us at 929-202-2558 or email us here and someone from our team would be happy to talk you through your options.
OPEN Architectural Windows and Doors: Proudly making your architectural plans a reality for over a decade.