ARCHITECTURE
Fifth Avenue Penthouse Balustrade
ARCHITECTURE
Fifth Avenue Penthouse Balustrade
A beautiful contemporary residence with wrap around terraces and panoramic views of Central Park and New York skyline was limited by an uninspired outdoor railing. The existing railing by a former owner, was modular, but not in keeping with the interiors, bulky in design, and obstructed the fantastic views for the new owner. A solution was needed to promote what a penthouse apartment is meant to embrace, the spectacular views.
The final brief called for a new modular and demountable balustrade system, fastened to the interior terrace parapet wall using existing anchor brackets. Following successful engineering tests, it was determined the existing anchors could be re-purposed to mount a new balustrade. Preliminary studies explored railings with transparent glass panels, including a variation of stainless steel railing system. The choice landed on using a high quality marine grade stainless steel flat bar system.
A leading metal workshop fabricated, and seamlessly joined the horizontal and vertical components, to achieve an exacting finish. It was advanced craftsmanship, minimal and elegant in design, and consistent with the apartment’s contemporary interior design.
The material softly reflects surrounding light, and the refined design allows the balustrade to blend and nearly disappear from sight. The new design permits one to enjoy the views as intended for this unique New York penthouse residence. Years later the stainless steel satin finish holds up beautifully, and only enhances the City and Park views from every room throughout the apartment.
Location: New York, NY
Size: 320 Linear Feet of modular railing
Services: Architectural Design
Consultant: Werner Sobek New York, Structural Engineer, Engineer of Record
Metal Work: Product and Design
Photography: Matthew Williams and Eva Christine Jensen
Location: New York, NY Size: 320 Linear Feet of modular railing
Services: Architectural Design
Consultant: Werner Sobek New York, Structural Engineer, Engineer of Record
Metal Work: Product and Design
Photography: Matthew Williams and Eva Christine Jensen
Stainless steel custom designed modular balustrade
Railing Before
Balustrade After
Railing Before
Balustrade After
Before, Existing railing with tubular pole brackets mounted to parapet anchor plates
After, New stainless steel modular balustrade.
Plan, Section and Elevation of typical balustrade module
Plan, Section and Elevation of typical balustrade module
Joint connection handrail to vertical baluster – Hover for more
Vertical baluster with horizontal railing modules
Drawings of balustrade components
Drawings of balustrade components
Countersunk security screw connection
Horizontal flat bar connection study
Vertical baluster mounting to wall bracket
Detail of mitered corner