Edgewater Penthouse
Our client was downsizing from a large home, and found a condominium that would accommodate her two Labradoodles. The location was great and the space was ample, but the unit was drab and dated. The kitchen was spacious, but despite a cut-out to the dining room, it felt very isolated. It was hoped that the wall between the kitchen and dining room could be removed. On possession day, the contractor removed the gypsum board from that wall and discovered a row of plumbing pipes. When renovating a condominium, there are challenges that are not a concern in single family homes. For instance, in condos you cannot alter the structure or relocate plumbing pipes. Undeterred, we designed a 10-foot-long x 4-foot-deep island that accommodated the pipes, and allows views of the tree tops and winding river from this 10th floor condo. The client’s previous home, (also designed by Glénat Duxbury), contained some items and details that they loved and wanted to incorporate: the linear crystal chandelier in the dining room and the dark walnut cabinets in the family room. We sourced fabulous crystal pendants for over the new island, from the same manufacturer as the client’s dining room chandelier. A linear LED fixture, recessed into the kitchen’s drywall ceiling, provides bright light and is dimmable. LED strip lighting glows from the recessed bases of the kitchen cabinets for ambient light. For the kitchen counters, we selected a stunning natural quartzite in warm white tones that complement the walnut. To show off this beautiful stone, we specified 3” thick edges, a waterfall edge and a matching backsplash. The sleek and modern cabinets are flat panels of rift-cut walnut with very minimal pulls. They extend up to the ceiling and are mimicked by the panels that conceal the plumbing chase. For the flooring, we selected a large porcelain tile (30” x 30”) in a concrete look. They are very durable and easy to maintain, with a clean, contemporary feel. The high ceiling, view and expanse of windows made this living space very desirable. A small fireplace on a large blank wall did not speak of luxury, nor did the orange-tone laminate flooring. The blank wall and poky fireplace, was replaced by a 12-foot-wide design incorporating a 60” fireplace, space for a television and storage for audio visual components. The storage cabinet is finished in a darker stained rift-cut walnut to match the kitchen cabinets, while the remainder of this feature wall is clad in 36” x 18” concrete-look grey porcelain tiles; expertly installed (and designed) to avoid cut tiles, and with mitered outside corners to give a stone-block look. The choice of wood flooring was very important to the client and key to the design. A wide-plank white oak flooring is used throughout the condo, except for the kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms. Also, throughout the condo, all existing light fixtures were replaced with LED models. The primary suite has ample space, a high ceiling and a lovely view. However, the closet area was disappointing, the shower was rather small, and the look was rather basic. Being a condo, a major reconfiguration was not possible, but we were able to increase the closet size a bit, maximize its storage space, and add a fabulous sliding door by 3Form. The acrylic tub and shower unit was replaced with a custom solution. The new tub has a stone deck and side, and the new shower is double the size. A textured wall tile was used across the length of the tub and back wall of the shower, its coordinating smooth tile clads the remaining walls and its companion floor tile and decorative mosaic finish the floor and shower base. A linear LED fixture, recessed into the drywall ceiling, rakes down the back wall highlighting the textured wall tile. The glow of LED strip lighting accents the floating vanity and shampoo niche. The large mirror, minimal wall lights and clear glass shower panels all work to expand the apparent size of the room. The resulting space has a sense of modern luxury and calm. The main bath could be described as ‘builder basic.’ Replacement of the one-piece tub/shower module, striped sliding dower doors and new finishes, transformed this bathroom. The floor and all walls are clad in 24” x 24” grey porcelain tiles. The new shower is defined by a low curb and a clear panel of tempered glass. Recessed linear LED fixtures light the shower and shampoo niche. The gloss white vanity is uninterrupted by cabinet pulls; opting for tap-to-open hardware. The glow of LED strip lighting accents that fact that it floats off the floor. The completed space seems to have increased in size, and it has acquired an up-to-date elegance.
Photography: Michael Roberts, Duality Photographic
