Project Challenges and Outcomes

Challenges

Create a space that told the tale of Art, Wine and a City. What do they have in common? An owner that looked to combine three units at The Residences Pittsburgh into one living space that showcased his three loves. To create this space the designers had to overcome a few challenges: floor to floor space constraints and showcasing the owner’s passions. The result was a 6,000 SF condo fit-out that offered the owner a living and entertaining space that functioned as a permanent art display for amazing art, impeccable wine and the breathtaking views of his beloved city.

Outcomes

First the minimal 11’6” floor to floor space that limited the ability for high ceilings had to be addressed. The designer played with the delicate balance of intricate structural and utility placement to achieve a series of dramatic ceiling coffers to give the illusion of height in the space where possible and allow the systems to disappear. This challenge required a very coordinated effort for the air distribution systems and creating a custom system that would have specific curved elements crafting the dynamic ceiling soffits that would provide the systems to disappear.

Intertwining three beloveds – the Art, Wine and City:
The unit as art and an art display. Very early in the design process it became clear that not only would the unit be housing great art and wine, the space itself would be a work of art. Throughout the unit its re­markable lines, custom features and attention to detail make a clear statement to the beauty of the space. The Fireside Entry Lounge features a dynamic custom curved fireplace unit with art shelving that mim­ics the curve of the oval ceiling soffit. In the center of the soffit a 30” diameter crystal chandelier hangs to define and ground the seating area. Behind the entry lounge a curved art wall features curved custom artwork frame that continues to translate the oval soffit. Beyond this lounge, the Music Hall and Steinway baby grand featuring lighting that illuminates the piano like a piece of art, create an almost “stage” like setting with Fifth Avenue Place as the backdrop.

The city as the ultimate backdrop/wallpaper. Floor to ceiling curtain wall and views of nearly every city landmark could never be covered. The architects worked hard to design a floor plan that would ensure that all necessary infrastructure be in the core of the building around the elevator entry of the space. Lighting plays an important role in the design but never overpowers the uncompromising views of downtown Pitts­burgh. Perhaps no place is this more evident than in the Music Hall and the Media Lounge where the city views leave one only able to stand back and take it in.

Wine to be celebrated and displayed, not hidden. Perhaps the most dramatic space in the unit, the Wine Cellar, features glass with a liquid crystal privacy film that creates the room’s enclosure to allow for con­cealing or revealing views into the space. Inside the cellar, the wine is truly on display like art with the wine racks lining the glass walls, a custom wine rose and wine credenza with custom artwork on the back wall. A crystal bubble chandelier hung over the cylindrical wine rose is the space’s focal point.

Tucked away in the unit are the more private spaces of the kitchen, master suite with study and a library/office that doubles as a guest room.

As one moves through the completed unit it truly is an all-encompassing tale of Art, Wine and a City. In the end, the space is a culmination of a dynamic living and entertainment place for the owner with amazing views of the three beloveds as the backdrop thus achieving the design vision