Pulltab Design’s Penthouse Renovation Lets the Light in with a Beautiful Brise-Soleil Sun Room

There’s no question that indoor/outdoor living is a trend that is alive and here to stay. And when you live in a neighborhood as lively and eclectic as the East Village, it’s only natural to want a peaceful haven that still allows you to enjoy the energy of the city that never sleeps. The owners of this residence were looking for just that. They wanted a seamless indoor/outdoor living space off their fifth floor loft that was conducive to entertaining guests as well as enjoying a quiet afternoon with a book. Enter Pulltab Design who set out to create a home that was both durable and elegant, while accommodating the practical needs of their clients.

A diverse selection of materials, including teak, bronze, zinc and Cor-ten steel come together to ensure a beautiful design through the weathering effects of the city’s varied climate.

Sunlight filters into the room through a brise-soleil made of teak screens. This serves two interesting purposes: not only does it block the summer sun when it’s at a higher angle, but it also marks the passing time as the light and shadows reflect the traveling sun throughout the day.

Pulltab used the same traditional joinery used for building wooden boats to design the penthouse’s solid teak windows and columns, for increased resilience. Some additional fine craftsmanship includes three load-bearing teak cruciform columns, which are expertly assembled using dado joints and no glue.

The penthouse also features an interesting functional waterfall, compliments of actual rainwater. A trough, made from a custom steel plate and welded to a structural beam, supports the teak rafters while also collecting the rain and channeling it down the weathered steel beam to the roof below. The resulting rainy day waterfall can be adjusted by loosening and sliding zinc discs that are mounted on the beam.

Additional robust textiles include custom-made bronze brackets, blackened steel panels, and steel capitals and bases for the columns, all produced by a local craftsman in Brooklyn. Meanwhile the metal surfaces are coated with active patinas. The outcome of this beautiful renovation—which also included work on the loft space, and a garden—offers guests a peaceful, inviting space, from which to enjoy the eclectic cityscape of the East Village.

You can see more of Pulltab Design’s work here.

Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Felicella