Architects Directory 2020: O’Neil Rose, USA
This Brooklyn architecture firm has been going from strength to strength since its creation in 2012. Founders Devin O’Neill and Faith Rose say their Oculi New York townhouse was designed around ‘ideas of daylight, visual connection between inside and out, and the intersection between digital and handcrafted processes’.
Oculi House is a combination of old and new, outdoor and indoor, strengths and weaknesses. Realised by Brooklyn-based O’Neil Rose Architects, the historic New York townhouse adopts traditional craft in its thoroughly contemporary design solutions.
Made up of Devin O’Neill and Faith Rose, the practice had a key challenge on their hands with this commission: namely, how to brighten up the attic space. The architects know light is key to human life, and in this typical New York brownstone, where natural light was sparse, they looked to engineering a ceiling that ushers in the vitamin D. ‘For us, designing a home means inspiring people to explore and express how they coexist within the larger landscapes of their lives, and creating rich and meaningful places in which our clients can live, work, and play,’ they say.
Inspired by the sculptural forms of legendary Japanese American artist and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi, they carved out two expressive oculi in the ceiling using 3D computer modelling – these sweeping designs were then mastered by artisans who honed in on old stone and plastering techniques.
MORE FROM WALLPAPER* ARCHITECTS DIRECTORY 2020
The undulating ceiling offers up oval shaped windows, flowing natural light into the entire space below – bringing a fresh slant to the traditional structure. These skylights also are in dialogue with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors leading to outdoor space, encouraging a healthy current of light throughout.
Elsewhere, light wood flooring and beige tiling keep the warm energy strong in this loft location. Sunlight now reaches spaces it could not before, flooding the central areas and casting shadows that would never have been seen in such an early 19th century structure.
Oculi House exudes O’Neil Rose Architects’ essence as a young studio, which the pair says requires you to be ‘versatile, nimble and innovative.’ They particularly want to capitalise on the problem solving elements of the practice: ‘we see each of our challenges as a strength as well.’
INFORMATION
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Sujata Burman is a writer and editor based in London, specialising in design and culture. She was Digital Design Editor at Wallpaper* before moving to her current role of Head of Content at London Design Festival and London Design Biennale where she is expanding the content offering of the showcases. Over the past decade, Sujata has written for global design and culture publications, and has been a speaker, moderator and judge for institutions and brands including RIBA, D&AD, Design Museum and Design Miami/. In 2019, she co-authored her first book, An Opinionated Guide to London Architecture, published by Hoxton Mini Press, which was driven by her aim to make the fields of design and architecture accessible to wider audiences.
-
Alessandro Michele is Valentino’s new creative director
Former Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele is named the successor to Pierpaolo Piccioli at the Roman house
By Jack Moss Published
-
New Byredo store opens in London’s Covent Garden
Byredo has unveiled a new Covent Garden store, its second bricks-and-mortar destination in London
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
Alternative Easter eggs: chocolate-free but cracking gifts and indulgences
The humble egg, Easter's favourite ingredient, celebrated in five alternative forms, from a picnic cutlery canteen to a fabulous foamy dessert
By Caragh McKay Published
-
Boise Passive House’s bold gestures support an environmentally friendly design
Boise Passive House by Haas Architecture combines sleek, contemporary design and environmental efficiency
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
At the Hilbert Museum of California Art’s expanded home, art and architecture converge
The Hilbert Museum of California Art expands its home, courtesy of Los Angeles architecture studio Johnston Marklee
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Pearlman Cabin by John Lautner is an organic Californian mountain retreat
John Lautner’s midcentury Pearlman Cabin, tucked away in the Californian mountain resort of Idyllwild, is a striking example of organic architecture
By Mimi Zeiger Published
-
Albert Frey’s Aluminaire House is reborn in Palm Springs
Aluminaire House, designed by legendary modernist Albert Frey, has been reconstructed outside the Palm Springs Art Museum
By Michael Webb Published
-
Beverly Hills’ Carla Ridge is a modern home taking in expansive city views
Carla Ridge in Beverly Hills blends modernist architecture nods, with contemporary lines and varying textures which complement its views of the hillside, valley, and city
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Downtown LA’s Beaudry is a cityscape statement of modern luxury
Beaudry is a new Los Angeles residential skyscraper by Marmol Radziner that offers contemporary living, a sense of place, and earthy design
By Carole Dixon Published
-
The Houses at 8899 Beverly offer options, sustainability and modernist nods
The Houses at 8899 Beverly by Olson Kundig is a collection of sustainable townhouses framing a midcentury area landmark in the West Hollywood Design District
By Carole Dixon Published
-
This Walter S White house in Indio is given a new lease of life
This Walter S White house in Indio, California, has been redesigned for the 21st century by Sean Gaston
By Hadani Ditmars Published