134 Vanderbilt Residences
26 Unit Multifamily Residential and Commercial Strorefront
New Construction Architect of Record
Located on a prominent corner site in Brooklyn, 134 Vanderbilt continues the evolution of architectural ideas first explored in the 450 Warren and 9 Chapel projects—chief among them, the integration of exterior circulation and private outdoor spaces to enhance natural ventilation, daylight, and community connection. This new multifamily building comprises 26 residential units, including three townhouses, and is designed to foster a dynamic balance between privacy and communal living. A porous plan allows each unit to be accessed directly from the exterior, eliminating internal corridors and encouraging spontaneous encounters among neighbors. A shared open-air walkway connects all residences to a series of thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces, including a landscaped rear yard garden and expansive landscaped roof decks—offering moments of both interaction and retreat.
Each unit is uniquely configured to take advantage of multiple orientations, ensuring abundant natural light, cross ventilation, and expansive views. The layouts are organized to open directly to the outdoors, with semi-enclosed balconies that provide private outdoor space while subtly encouraging neighborly connection.
The building’s distinct facade is crafted from pink precast concrete panels with a scalloped geometry, designed to interact with the changing light and cast dynamic shadows throughout the day. Along the terrace elevations, the material shifts to a soldier-course masonry brick, grounding the architecture with a tactile, human-scaled texture. The exterior envelope is designed as a high-performance rainscreen system, exceeding energy code requirements by 20%. This contributes to reduced mechanical loads and improved energy efficiency, supporting a sustainable, climate-responsive approach to urban housing.
134 Vanderbilt is a continuation of a new residential typology—one that rethinks density, promotes community, and integrates the elemental qualities of light, air, and material into the everyday experience of home.
This project was completed in collaboration with SO-IL Architects.
