2.19.2021 | DIGS.NET 29
(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) AN L-SHAPED SECTIONAL BY ARCHITECT /DESIGNER
PATRICIA URQUIOLA AND PALETTE COFFEE TABLE BY JAMIE HAYON ADORN THE
LOUNGE; CHAIRS BY ORIOR PAIRED WITH MID-CENTURY-INSPIRED ARMCHAIRS IN THE
"LIVING ROOM"; THE BAR FEATURES ARCHED OAK PANELING, AN ANTIQUED MIRROR
BACKSPLASH, BRASS SHELVING AND FROSTED GLOBE PENDANTS BY LEE BROOM.
Spanning 25,000 square feet, NeueHouse Bradbury
occupies the entire second floor of the muscular
structure. Choosing not to compete with the building
itself—sensing, perhaps, the futility of such a feat when
faced with a strong physical presence—DesignAgency
elected to highlight the historic charms and character of
the architecture with a design that, while modern and
fresh, is quietly honorific of history. The heritage building
meant the studio also dealt with a number of constraints
while maintaining its vision. In particular, there were
some requirements for ceiling bulkheads that had to be
maintained around the perimeter window walls. "We had
to leave five feet of space around the new bulkheads but
wanted to leave the existing exposed beam ceilings as
much as possible, so navigating that balance was a bit
of a challenge, but all in all we are very pleased with the
result," says Mekhayech.
"After the initial 'wow moment'" of the atrium," as
Mekhayech describes it (and certainly as one feels it),
NeueHouse members are greeted by a relaxing lounge
in a simple and clean color palette featuring curvilinear
furniture and pastel-colored upholstery that do much to
feminize the space, which, in its more robust bones, leans
masculine. The design choices inside the private studios
and social spaces offer an immediate counterpoint to
the spectacle of the atrium. Throughout these areas is
an elevated mix of elements, with curated artwork, a
soft parquet floor, airy linen drapery, neutral furnishings,
and copper task lighting, along with curvilinear furniture and
frosted globe lighting offering a feeling of softness. Furnishings
are mainly custom, with a sprinkling of vintage pieces, as well
as selected lighting from British designer Tom Dixon. The color-
blocking is quite contemporary, with green and burgundy tones
playing exquisitely off the brick. Copious natural light, meanwhile,
further illuminates the brick and wood beam interior, which is so
beautifully harmonized it all but sings.
NeueHouse Bradbury is exemplar of the idea that some things
never go out of style. They can, however, on occasion and with a
few thoughtful design decisions, be styled up. Five stories high,
in fact—most marvelously on the second floor. designagency.ca
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