PARK AVENUE ROOFSCAPE
New York NY
This Upper East Side project, executed in collaboration with Rumsey Farber Landscape Architecture, transformed 2,800 square feet of existing roof into a private oasis and entertainment space.
While the roof has wonderful views of the Manhattan skyline, three unsightly bulkheads and 300 linear feet of tar-papered building parapet dominated the space. To add to the design challenge, the usable area on the roof forms a narrow C-shaped strip around the building's perimeter, leaving no natural focal point for the space.
JCA's design conceals the existing elements that create visual chaos and simplifies sight lines, bringing the view to the forefront. Bulkhead walls were screened with resin panels and bent sheets of patinaed bronze completely conceal the parapet from view. Below, the floor is primarily stone pavers. Above, an aluminum and wood shade canopy was cantilevered off the building's west side. Ipe clad planters, whose greenery softens the rigorous geometry of the space, were strategically inserted along the edges of the roof.
To encourage guests to explore all areas of the terrace we placed three sculptures, visual lures situated so that only by approaching one piece is the next revealed, to draw people along the length of the roof's perimeter.
At the southeast corner of the roof, we designed an intimate area bounded by tall grasses, with a built in bench for two tucked discreetly off to one side.