Name: Bryan Bennett, LEED AP, Director, Design Resources,; Gerner Kronick + Valcarcel, Architects, PC
Location: Manhattan, New York
Size: 2 bedroom, 2 ½ bath, 2200 sf
Years lived in: Bachelor pad model apartment
Today we're showcasing the SkyHouse, an unique house tech tour that we'd categorize as "aspirational" for most of us. But it's such a shining example of how to stylishly and invisibly incorporate technology into the home, including a Crestron Home Automation Control Systems with wi-fi integration, iPORT In-Wall docking stations, pinball machine, in-wall keypads throughout the home and a HD home theater. There's plenty here for everyone to just peek into and enjoy for decor alone. It's admittedly an ideal and staged setting, but sometimes it's fun to see what a whole lot of money can get you when coupled with a discriminating eye for design...
AT Survey:
My/Our style: A sophisticated, masculine mix of ‘40’s glam, 70’s disco, ‘80’s material heyday and today’s industrial chic, all united through a contrasting black and white palette.
Inspiration: Ultimate bachelor pad filled with iconic boy toys.
Favorite Element: 1978 Playboy pinball machine
Biggest Challenge: Working with a three-week deadline!!
What Friends Say: That it looks like someone actually lives here.
Biggest Embarrassment: That I display 2 sets of dining chairs. The first set came in too small for the table, so I hung them on the wall (they were vintage, and non-returnable!)
Proudest DIY: The dining area has a small ‘punched-window’ that is deeply recessed into the wall. I wanted to maximize the amount of light and view from this window, so I designed a composition of framed mirrors to surround the window and camouflage its size.
Biggest Indulgence: Falling in love with the photography of a London artist named Michael Collins; tracking him down, and purchasing a large-scale work.
Best advice: I originally installed the Power Pole wall sticker from Ferm Living to the bank of kitchen cabinets. Looked amazing, but the contractor gently reminded me that the cabinets were real cherry, which is a natural material that changes over time. If I had left the sticker up, it would have burned a ‘reverse-shadow into the surface.
Dream source: www.1stdibs.com – Quality vendors, quality materials, and if you see it on the site, then it is ready to go – no lead times!
Resources:
Appliances:
- KitchenAid Architect Series in kitchen
Electronics:
- House Systems Audiovisual Experience
- Crestron Home Automation Control Systems with WIFI Integration (Expandable)
- iPORT In-Wall Docking Stations (for iPod connection to multi-room audio)
- Home Theatre HD Experience with Surround Sound Speaker Systems (HDTV Plasmas, LCDs)
- Multi-Zone Audio Distribution via In-Wall Keypads
Accessories:
Lighting:
- Dining area Chandelier, barware and crystal Buddha: Baccarat
- Twin vintage OC White industrial lamps in master suite: Get Back, Inc
- Cinema Spotlight: Darr
Rugs and Carpets:
- Black mohair rug in master suite. ABC Carpet & Home
- White shag in living room
Window Treatments:
All treatments by Horizon Window, in Chelsea.
Beds:
- White lacquered Ligne-Rosse
- Philippe Starck lounging sofa in living room: Cassina
Artwork:
- Industrial Photo: Michael Collins – www.recordpictures.com
- Illuminated Channel sign: Bryan Bennett (me!)
Paint:
- Master bathroom wall covering: Phillip & Jefferies Quilted Lacquer, through Holly Hunt
Flooring:
- White marble floors in bathroom.
- Hardwood floors through out.
Other:
- Polished chrome fittings by Grohe in bathrooms.
- Fully integrated home media system by House Systems controls televisions, sound systems and computers throughout the space.
(Thanks to Lorraine Gimblett, Bryan Bennett and Gerner Kronick + Valcarcel)
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An amazing feature! Inspirations everywhere!
Yeah, I really dig this space... great details in there.
Breathtaking!
Wow, if only...
OK -- I think that only thing that I'd have to throw out is the Playboy pinball machine. And I'm not even sure that's that bad.
damn how I want a tolomeo mega
where is the desk from?
i second the comment about the desk. also, where is the filing cabinet from?
THIS IS THE BEST HOME TOUR ON THIS SITE!
Please tell where the desk is from. I would like to get one!
What is the paint on the wall behind the desk? (With the clocks.)
where are those white chairs from in the living room?
Once again, I am a weird girl, because I like black and white and technology. Who made the credenza? I am looking for a white credenza.
Hello! I love the desk! Where is it from? Anyone know?
Very cool, but where's the tech?
Tell us what the Creston can control, how the keypads work, where the music is served from, etc.
It's gorgeous, but I want to know how the tech supports the lifestyle!
wow... im speechless
Totally agree with Curtis - that pinball machine is jarringly out of place in this sleek, serene environment.
G O U R G E O U S
...hate the pinball maching, but hey, let 'em have it. this space is droolworthy.
sorry about the embarrasing typos. G O R G E O U S
...machine
Beautiful!
Where is the bedding from?
The desk is from West Elm. It is actually 2 desks put together.
Anyone knows where the white console in the bathroom (on the wall) is from?
the placement of the mirrors at the dining area is excellent! what a good idea. and i simply love the grey shades here. definitely one of the best looking homes thus far on this site.
Beautiful & clean, it soothes the mind to look at these pictures.
Incredible job - thanks for sharing. Bryan, what is the color on TV wall?
I love this. I love the pinball machine as a design element, I probably would have chosen a different theme. It is definitely a bachelor pad, but the playboy theme seems over the top.
I love this home! So beautiful, so inspiring. It makes me drool completely. The bathroom is particularly wonderful, I love the depth to it and the cute little holder on the wall. The only things I really didn't like was the pinball machine which didn't fit for me, the chairs which stood out way too much and the brown of the kitchen cabinets and such which felt too off and I'd love to be painted some shade of black or white.
Awesome Flat---would move in immediately---Love it
What type of chair is that at the desk?
http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photos/042508skyhouse/images/Skyhouse53_small.jpg
Stunning flat...congratulations to the creators....BUT where is all the hi-tech stuff? Just wondering why it is in UNPLGGD. Like Max, I can't see evidence of the Crestron or any keypads. I installed a Lutron Grafik Eye system and regardless of the manufacturer, there are still IR points and touch pad that are in view.
Lovely.
Where is the console under the TV from?
Love the pinball machine. Good choice for a bachelor pad!
I'd love to have this place. Great job!
Lovely space. However, Playboy pinball machine looks a little out of place in a super clean/perfect interior "bachelor" pad!
Hello,
I just wanted to let you know that I just moved into this exact apartment. I just wished they kept it like this, unfortunately they repainted everything white and removed everything else. Anyway, my wife and I really liked the mirrors and want to recreate it exactly. Where did you purchase them from? And what are the exact dimensions of each mirror? Also, if you still have the exact distance the mirrors were placed, I would appreciate that. Not too many questions, huh? Haha....Thanks for any help.
anyone know where I could get those clocks that hang over the desk?