Shigeru Ban on his masterfully minimalist interiors for Cast Iron House
Shigeru Ban likes to keep us guessing. The Pritzker Prize winner is best known for his radical tectonic experiments with materials like paper, wood and PVC plastic, and for his temporary designs for refugees and victims of natural disasters. But for his latest effort, Ban has created ultra-luxury condominiums inside a renovated 1881 cast iron building in Tribeca.
Cast Iron House, as the six-storey project is called, consists of 11 lofty duplex residences and two glass and steel penthouses, supported by cantilevered trusses. The building’s exterior has been immaculately restored—for instance, some 4,000 pieces of the building’s façade were recast at a foundry in Alabama, while the industrial-sized curved windows maintain their original sizing.
But the white, miminalist interiors are completely new, with Ban matching newly-formed floor slabs (there were originally no duplexes or mezzanines) with the original building line and designing every minute detail, including door handles, hand rails, sculptural kitchens and bathrooms and seamless joinery.
‘I wanted to create a contrast between the old exterior and the new interior,’ says Ban. ‘Designing something old-fashioned for me is fake. Making this contrast is, I think more contextual.’
Spaces smoothly flow into each other, with as few dividing walls as possible. Most of the solid barriers are furniture, cabinets, or closets; a device, said Ban, inspired by his Furniture Houses, known for using storage as structure. ‘I call it invisible structure,’ says Ban. ‘I try to minimise materials and eliminate unneccessary elements like walls. If there’s a cabinet it can work like a wall.’
As for this foray into work for the very wealthy, Ban doesn't see any break from the rest of his oeuvre. ‘For me there’s no difference. I’m just interested in providing space people need. The importance of a project has nothing to do with the budget.’
While the project exudes simple elegance, Ban still managed to sneak in some subversive experiments. Because new floorplates didn’t always match up with existing windows, a few apartments’ glazing sits by your feet, creating very unusual views. As for those penthouses, which open completely to the city via folding glass doors, they’re the ultimate expression of diversion from the historic fabric.
‘We’re articulating the separation,’ says Ban, who, by the way, is now designing semi-permanent housing for South Sudanese refugees, combining new concepts with local building technologies and materials. So much for getting comfortable.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Shigeru Ban Architects website
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Remembering Richard Serra (1938-2024), American art’s man of steel
American artist Richard Serra, whose vast sculptures transformed landscapes around the world, has died aged 85
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Architectural gardens around the world to soothe the soul
From small domestic gardens, to nature reserves, urban interventions and local parks, here are some of the finest green projects that place nature at their heart
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Corfu hotel Domes Miramare redefines beachfront bliss
Make like Jackie O at Corfu hotel Domes Miramare, a property with contemporary luxury and echoes of 1960s glamour in spades
By Bridget Downing 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
-
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
-
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
-
Kambara House’s contemporary Los Angeles interior is set within a Richard Neutra design
Kambara House, a gently revamped Richard Neutra house, is just one of the homes featured in new book ‘Los Angeles Interiors’ by Lannoo Publishers
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Telescope House is a viewing platform to enjoy seclusion and Arizona nature
Telescope House by Wendell Burnette combines the benefits of a private, secluded retreat and an open viewing platform
By Ellie Stathaki Published