of
NYC-based British architect, Brandon Haw (former senior partner at Norman Foster and now president of Brandon Haw Architecture), has just completed a spectacular interior space— his first interior project - for a high-end body and skin care practice, . The project also features a bespoke new line of furniture.
The new flagship facility for the world-renowned New York Dermatology Group occupies the second floor of a classic Fifth Avenue landmark building situated on the northeast corner of Fifth Avenue and East 19th Street, within the Ladies Mile Historic District.
The project comprises 7,000 sq ft of new wellness and treatment facilities and a new, discreet VIP entrance from East 19th Street. The design accommodates eight new state-of-the-art treatment rooms, blood infusion facility, nutrition centre and two new cryotherapy treatment facilities, each with their associated support spaces, reception and retail product area.
To preserve the integrity of the original light-filled loft space, Brandon Haw Architecture created a simple, refined treatment pod that sits within the larger volume, set apart from the surrounding walls and containing the treatment rooms.
Measuring approximately 20 ft wide x 92 ft long and clad in a custom-made interlocking fiberglass panel system, reminiscent of a curtain frozen in time, its curvilinear and sinuous profile is deliberately separated from the dark industrial wooden floor, stopping short of the ceiling to accentuate its object-like quality.
With its delicate opalescent ivory colour and bronze finish detailing, the doors, trims and reception areas are integrated into one holistic system. The separation of the treatment rooms to the external façade organises the principal circulation along the edge of the space for all visitors and staff to enjoy, maintaining the quality of light of the original space.
The use of solid reclaimed industrial stained oak flooring from Germany sets the ground plane, above which white polished plastered walls with bronze baseboards and door trims create the backdrop for the treatment rooms.
Working alongside the fabrication and installation team led by Paolo Cassina Custom Interiors, in association with Sailing SRL - a second-generation bespoke yacht interior fabricator from Pesaro, Italy - BHA created a solid dark stained wooden baffle system that would screen out the services above.
The lighting in the treatment rooms has been developed in collaboration with Fisher Marantz Stone.
The ceilings are defined by a simple, evenly lit panel that can be dimmed to a comfortable and reassuring level upon entering or to a brighter level when any procedure is in progress.
Custom-made cabinetry and countertops integrate each operational requirement from the New York Dermatology Group. Hand built by Sailing in Italy under the auspices of Paolo Cassina Custom Interiors, the same bronze trims create the continuity of detailing throughout the centre.
The design of the space is complemented with a new custom furniture range developed by Brandon Haw Design and fabricated by Paolo Cassina. In the guest waiting room, NYDG will exhibit the first sofa along with armchairs and side tables developed for the project in camoscio leather, with bronze finish metalwork and white Italian marble table tops.
Taking its cue from the numerous classic goods entrances found historically in the Ladies Mile District, BHA has designed a new discreet entrance from East 19th Street. Using blackened steel panels, the door and over-cladding of the hoistway shaft is consciously understated and contemporary in its minimal detailing.
Gail Taylor