A first look inside 144 Vanderbilt’s duplex residence

The developers behind 144 Vanderbilt, the designer-led Tankhouse, and their longtime collaborators, award-winning architects SO-IL, are on a mission to transform urban living by creating carefully considered, airy residences with lush outdoor space. Building on the success of unique projects such as: 450 Warren And Nine ChapelThey continue to make their mark on their Brooklyn home with this new eight-story property, encased in a dynamic façade of undulating pink precast concrete.

(Image credit: William Jess Laird)

Tour the duplex residence at 144 Vanderbilt

Located at the corner of Vanderbilt Avenue and Myrtle Avenue in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, the project features 26 condominiums designed with an emphasis on light and privacy, with 21 different floor plans and a staggered design. It is a true urban oasis as everyone has access to private outdoor spaces and an array of community gardens, with views from Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene Park to Manhattan and the East River.

(Image credit: William Jess Laird)

The first completed residence is a four-bedroom, three-bathroom duplex that was converted by local studio General Assembly into a home design gallery showcasing the best of Brooklyn. The focus here is on the hyperlocal: Most project partners work or live within a stone’s throw of the new building, and furnishings come from General Assembly’s Brooklyn-based retail store, Assembly Line.

(Image credit: William Jess Laird)

All items and furnishings throughout the home are available for purchase, with a selection of handmade and custom-made furniture, lighting and accessories, including pieces from independent designers with a connection to Brooklyn or New York City, such as Christopher Merchant, Fort Standard, Pat Kim and Ravenhill Studio. The artworks were selected in collaboration with Amelie, Maison d’Art.

(Image credit: William Jess Laird)

A “Molina” console by Fern, a “Cooperage” mirror and a “Column” ottoman by Fort Standard greet visitors in the foyer, while in the kitchen a “U3” bar cart by Bowen Liu and “Oak Range” Counter stools from Fort Standard. A “Float” pendant lamp by Ravenhill Studio hangs above a “Helle” dining table by Bowen Liu, and in the living room, a mustard “Willow” rug by Armadillo is paired with coffee tables by General Assembly, a sofa by Evam, and paintings by Myung Urso .

(Image credit: William Jess Laird)

The duplex spans 2,033 square meters and features a subtle color palette that complements the exposed concrete ceilings and natural white oak floors. Inspired by the home’s strong connection to nature, Sarah Zames and Colin Stief, who founded General Assembly in 2011, made a perfectly framed tree an important part of their design, forgoing window treatments and choosing a darker color scheme to make the tree stopped.

(Image credit: William Jess Laird)

This majestic tree now forms the verdant backdrop for a lounge furnished with a “Clois” daybed by Fern and a “Sister” stool by Sugihara Fine Furniture. In the adjacent family room, original artwork by Eberhard Ross is illuminated by a Calisto floor lamp by Christopher Merchant. An Evam ‘Elephant’ armchair, crafted from reclaimed teak and inspired by the seats on elephants ridden during various celebrations in India, adds a unique touch.

(Image credit: William Jess Laird)

The earthy color palette, based on General Assembly’s lime color collection for Resource, becomes more intense in the bedrooms and office and brighter in the living spaces. The state-of-the-art kitchens feature custom Nordic chestnut wood and matte lacquer cabinetry and Blue Fusion stone countertops, while the bathrooms feature warm gray porcelain tile walls, fluted glass shower walls, and Jasper Morrison-designed sconces.

(Image credit: William Jess Laird)

Like all Tankhouse projects, 144 Vanderbilt is full of green spaces and sustainable elements. The lobby and leisure areas are accessed via a bridge and surrounded by terraced gardens. On the other side of the building, multiple breaks in the building envelope form terraces and wind tunnels, allowing natural ventilation of the exterior hallways and a constant connection to the neighborhood from within.