Kent Avenue Penthouse by Norm Architects

Designed by Norm Architects, the Kent Avenue penthouse is a one-of-a-kind residence nestled along the Brooklyn waterfront, overlooking the East River and Manhattan skyline. Here, New York’s industrial vibe meets soft minimalism and tactile materials, creating an urban retreat above the bustling city. The open plan solution has been preserved and thoughtfully layered to define different zones, while a sunken terrace invites relaxation with its plunge pool and exquisite views.

Spanning approximately 350 square metres, the penthouse occupies the entire top floor of a grand building along the East River and is divided into two distinct living spaces—one designed for the privacy of the family, and the other a fully equipped guest house.

The residence seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with tactile materials, creating an atmosphere of both intimacy and spaciousness. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views of the river and Manhattan skyline, as well as the lush greenery that envelops the expansive terrace, blurring the line between indoors and out.

Inside, a serene interior balances the vibrant exterior views, while soft, plush textiles create warmth and tactility. The design blends organic shapes with clean lines, resulting in a space that feels both soothing and stimulating.

An in-built fireplace framed by elegant Carrara marble adds a touch of luxury, while discreet hidden doors open to reveal a private TV lounge, maintaining a clean and tranquil aesthetic. 

In the hallway a skylight floods the narrow space with natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere.

A bespoke kitchen crafted by Vipp features a sleek black exterior with a natural oak core, blending style and functionality. The steel benchtop adds a refined, modern touch, while the folding fronts seamlessly tuck away to optimise space and enhance versatility within the kitchen.

Situated between the kitchen-dining area and living room, a grand bookcase with a perforated steel back invites natural light to permeate the space, preserving the connection between zones while defining their distinct purposes. This multifunctional bookcase also displays personal family treasures, adding character to the minimalist design.

Transitioning from the kitchen area, a door opens to reveal the adult suite, encompassing an office, bedroom, walk-in closet, and bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the walkway, framing serene views of the terrace greenery, with the graceful drape of sheer curtains adding a gentle layer to the streamlined materials.

The bedroom features a wooden bedframe with a headboard that extends to the ceiling, creating an intimate alcove within the airy, open space. Thoughtfully crafted, it serves a dual purpose as a closet on the reverse side, seamlessly merging function with style. The natural wood draws inspiration from the outdoors, blurring the boundaries between the interior and the surrounding greenery. This connection to nature brings warmth and tranquility, softening the modern design while fostering a deep sense of well-being and relaxation – transforming the room into a serene retreat.

The bathroom is crafted entirely from large grey stone slabs, with elegant silver fixtures that enhance the cool, modern aesthetic. In contrast to the warm wooden tones of the bedroom, the sharp lines of the stone create a bold, minimalist look. Soft curtains, consistent with the rest of the house, introduce a tactile element, casting beautiful shadows from the surrounding trees and greenery. Cleverly hidden storage adds to the clean, streamlined design.

The guest unit is cosy yet spacious. Here, a bespoke steel and wood kitchen is accented with elegant butterfly details, blending modern design with subtle craftsmanship.

There is also a living room, tranquil bedroom, a small office nook, bathroom, and toilet. Designed with the same elegant style as the main apartment, each detail—from the soft colour palette to the clean lines—ensures a harmonious and cohesive flow that feels effortlessly luxurious.

A serene haven where urban life meets tranquil living, the Kent Avenue Penthouse is impeccably designed and thoughtfully curated to cultivate a sense of unity and calm—a perfect blend of urban energy and quiet retreat.

Credits 

Norm Architects: Architect & Partner, Peter Eland / Architect, Hedda Klar 

Photography: Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

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The Pad: A Japanese-Inspired Sanctuary by SHA

Suzanne Hunt Architect (SHA) was approached by previous clients, a couple in their 70s, initially seeking to renovate their 'Mediterranean-style' split-level strata unit in South Perth.  Following a two-year process of preparing design drawings for several options, including both a small and large reno, and as conversations unfolded about their evolving requirements and the desire to age in place, the project transitioned into a new build. The culmination of this transformation is revealed as The Pad, a beautifully detailed, Japanese-inspired, single-story home. Melding intentionally understated architecture with a refined material palette of steel, timber, and polished plaster, the result is an exquisitely designed, inviting sanctuary.

Located on the Swan Canning River Park, the site provides access and views over the foreshore. Passionate gardeners, with a love of birdlife, the owner's brief was for an unpretentious and sustainable, passive-designed, weather-responsive two-bedroom home that connects to nature and views while providing privacy, security, accessibility, and flexibility for gatherings. Additionally, strict strata by-laws restricting height, aesthetics, access and materiality needed to be adhered to.

Reflecting SHA's holistic architectural approach, The Pad is designed to visually recede while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape. On the southern side, dark-stained timber battens artfully conceal the garage, merging with polished plaster walls that guide the way to the Japanese-inspired entry door via porcelain tiles. To the north, an exposed steel frame surrounds full-height sliding doors that not only open to unveil the breathtaking views but also frame them. Adjacent to this, glazed doors and a louvred-roof alfresco area can be fully opened, effortlessly bridging indoor and outdoor spaces with seamless transitions. This thoughtful arrangement effectively doubles the available entertaining area. Meanwhile, all external doors facing north are equipped with recessed remote-controlled blinds, serving both as protection against the sun's glare and as measures for security and privacy. Additionally, strategically placed high-level windows throughout the house not only mitigate the impact of any limiting side setbacks but also grant views of the expansive sky.

With landscaping playing a pivotal role, The Pad features three internal courtyards strategically dispersed throughout the home. These serve to create a sense of separation among the rooms, while also establishing physical and visual connections through lush landscaping. Each courtyard provides security, is shielded from insects, and is shaded with remote-controlled horizontal blinds. These blinds serve the dual purpose of diffusing natural light into the rooms, ensuring cross-breezes, and views to the river and city reach deep into the home.

The design incorporates Japanese-inspired operable glazed walls, doors, and retractable insect screens that seamlessly slide apart, blurring the line between inside and out. Vulcan timber battens on the walls and ceiling, offset by polished plaster, create a sensation of walking along a bridge through a forest towards distant wetlands. Sustainability was a priority, using local materials like thermally modified pine battens, Low-E glazing, Australian-made aluminium doors/windows, and porcelain flooring tiles. Onsite, 5.5 kW solar panels and batteries store renewable energy, while dedicated bike storage encourages riverfront bike path use for leisure and local shopping.

This design demonstrates that it’s possible to create delightful and sustainable infill housing in spite of multiple constraints and challenges imposed by strata by-laws and regulations. By prioritizing access to light and views – and connections to nature – The Pad provides a welcoming residence for the owners to enjoy their retirement and entertain family and friends.

Credits

Architecture: SHA

Project Team: Suzie Hunt, Principal Architect and Catherine Lee, Senior Associate

Build: Valento Residences

Photographer: Dion Robeson

Styling: KT Crocker  

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The Industrial Oak kitchen by Nordiska Kök

For their latest project, Nordiska Kök have created a sleek and functional kitchen for an architect-designed villa outside of Stockholm. A combination of light oak and stainless gives the space a restaurant kitchen feel, while the island, bar stool and ‘chef’s table’ provides the perfect setting for gatherings with friends and family.

The use of white pigmented oak brings a natural warmth, texture and contrast to the kitchen’s industrial elements along with a true Scandinavian touch. The stainless steel worktop and splashback are framed by built-in pocket door cabinets in solid oak, giving the kitchen a tactile yet seamless look. Nordiska Kök's signature bespoke detailing can be seen in the solid oak drawers and inserts and the large oak kitchen island which features a unique bar desk on the opposite side of the working space. Open shelving in stainless steel provides a place to display beautiful tableware as well as functional storage to keep everyday items in easy reach.

Styling by Pella Hedeby / Photography by Kristofer Johnsson

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From Mud Ceramic Studio by Rawan Muqaddas

When Aisha Al Saif, the young ceramist behind From Mud felt a need for the therapeutic and magical art of clay sculpting in the heart of Kuwait City, she enlisted London-based designer Rawan Muqaddas to bring her vision to life. Giving structure to a space of discovery, research, and creation where all levels of skill can come in to create a finished piece to take home, the studio's holistic approach is conveyed through clean lines and a soothing palette that reflects the binding theory behind the studio's own ethos.

Sitting comfortably on the first floor of a 1967 Modernist building in Kuwait City's textile market, the zen workspace draws inspiration and texture from the beautiful craft of clay and its simplicity. The inception of From Mud started with the observation of the movements taking place while creating with clay; from the ceramist’s own motion to the fluid lines formed by the clay itself. One of the most inviting features is the light distribution that mimics the building’s concrete façade and casts uncomplicated shadows on the space, allowing privacy through fluted glass.

“The emphasis on light was key throughout the design phase as the importance of natural and adequate light while crafting clay was in question. By interpreting the buildings façade into the rhythm of the perimeter shelving, you begin to see the interplay and juxtaposition of the facades shadows against the interior at different times of day. The fluted glass was then introduced to create translucency and allow for privacy where needed.” — designer, Rawan Muqaddas

The requirements of the space included storage and shelving that corresponds to the daily routine of the ceramicist, a kiln room, a semi-private office, and lounge area. As a continuation of the building’s concrete façade, the perimeter shelving combines steel with maple wood sourced from Malaysia and fabricated on and off site by local craftsmen. Together with the fluted glass, these key materials create a calm and functioning environment that reinforces the young potter’s mission of making clay art accessible to everyone.

Photography by Mohammed Taqi Ashkanani

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