Marmol Radziner sprinkles SoCal style onto Brooklyn high rise Quay Tower
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

The earthy and harmonious mid-century modern aesthetic that Los Angeles-based architecture firm Marmol Radziner has perfected over the past 30 years has found its way to the east coast. Abutting Brooklyn Bridge Park, the 30-storey Quay Tower offers unrivalled family-friendly spaces and sweeping views on the East River that encompass the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.
From its façade, right on the Brooklyn Heights waterfront, the light-filled lobby connects to the park with welcoming seating areas that flank an Armani grey marble, custom reception desk. The walls are hung with original commissioned artworks inspired by the harbour.
The luxury development is the firm’s first New York project of this scope, and one that translates the responsiveness to nature, invariably felt in Marmol Radziner’s low-slung bungalows, into an answer to city-dweller’s desire for impressive skyline vistas. But the building doesn’t radiate the hermetic luxury other New York towers are known for, thanks to the firm’s alignment with developers Oliver's Realty Group and RAL Companies ‘to create truly usable, family-friendly spaces for the residents,’ the firm says.
Quay Tower features such perks as a pet-washing spa, a 1,500 sq ft children’s playroom and, more exceptionally for New York, private elevator vestibules and mudrooms accessible from the general corridor. In the interiors, Marmol Radziner employed floor-to-ceiling windows that allow light to stream in and furnishings made of ‘natural materials that age well and have a hand-worked quality,’ they explain. Calacatta Borghini marble, velvet, woven leather and cane chairs abound.
Tellingly, the top floor space – bar a handful of penthouses – was largely reserved for the residents’ amenities, including outdoors access, making good on Marmol Radziner’s reputation as the go-to architects for indoor-outdoor living.
Up there, communal open-air living takes precedence. The Sunset Lounge, which faces north overlooking the Manhattan skyline and the East River, features an indoor/outdoor fireplace, BBQ and catering kitchen. The southward oriented Sky Cabana provides an outdoor sun and dining terrace that faces the harbour. California dreaming for families in the city that never sleeps.
INFORMATION
marmol-radziner.com (opens in new tab)
-
Last chance to see: Laure Prouvost's Light Hall commission at National Museum in Oslo
The Turner Prize-winning artist takes over the cavernous space atop Oslo’s new National Museum with an ethereal installation
By Will Jennings • Published
-
In memoriam: Paco Rabanne (1934 – 2023)
Spanish designer Paco Rabanne, known for his visionary ‘Space Age’ fashion and experimental fragrances, has died aged 88
By Jack Moss • Published
-
Zara launches playful beauty line for kids
Mini Artists by Zara Beauty is a new line of kid-friendly face paints and water-soluble nail polishes designed with Diane Kendal
By Mary Cleary • Published
-
Hither Hills house in Montauk cascades into the foliage
A Hither Hills villa designed by New York-based Robert Young Architects, peeks through lush foliage in its green Montauk locale
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Jackson Hole retreat is conceived as ‘a geologic remnant in the landscape’
ShineMaker Residence is a Jackson Hole retreat tuned to perfection by its authors, CLB Architects and HSH Interiors
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Hosono House is an urban retreat in the heart of San Francisco
Hosono House by Ryan Leidner Architecture blends minimalism, nature and an awkward plot to craft a modern urban retreat in the middle of San Francisco
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
North Salem Farm updates local vernacular for the 21st century
North Salem Farm by New York-based architecture studio Worrell Yeung offers a new take to the region’s agrarian vernacular for the 21st century
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Spectacular Wyoming ranch sits within a restored working landscape
This Wyoming ranch by CLB Architects offers a new approach to the Western architectural tradition, combining daring and functional modern design with a welcoming character
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Columbia County house combines prefabricated methods with meticulous planning
The House of Courtyards, a new Columbia County house, is a refined living space in the heart of a secluded wooded plot
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Cheng+Snyder transforms suburban Californian backlot into flexible home
The Roommate House by Cheng+Snyder in Oakland exemplifies fresh approaches to planning for ever-changing demographics
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Stage architecture, from Disney to dance
Clever stage architecture makes or breaks a cultural experience – from Yellow Studio’s set for Disney’s new live-action Beauty and the Beast, to more immersive structures in the genre
By Martha Elliott • Published