LIFE BEYOND FIRST CLASS
REAL ESTATE
THE FLOATING INNER GARDEN
Artist Hiroshi Sugimoto Designed Full Floor Penthouse at 432 Park Avenue Quietly Hits Market.
JESSICA HALL
The initial concept was limited in scope, but far from simple. Owners with a passion for Asian art wanted a tearoom in their incredible yet unfinished Manhattan penthouse. This tearoom was not something to be incorporated into other planned design and construction work -- it was to be independently commissioned and created. The owners envisioned an original work of art by Hiroshi Sugimoto, who had created a glass tea house titled “Mondrian” on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, in 2014.
As Sugimoto considered the idea, it developed into something even more visionary and ambitious. In the end, he made the entire 8,000-square-foot, full-floor penthouse part of his creation. Transforming the 79th floor of the iconic 432 Park Avenue into an original work of art took four years of meticulous effort and an incredible amount of travel, artistry and care. Specialized craftsman were brought in from Japan to work with the rare materials (paving stones salvaged from a Kyoto tram station, Yakusugi cedar from trees over 1,000 years old) that were chosen and imported just for this residence. New York-based architects and experts and specially trained local contractors were engaged to support a range of unique and specific design and installation requirements, including the indoor bonsai garden.
A walk through the finished apartment is like being inside a tranquil, floating world, with elegant spaces made in what Sugimoto has called “Japanese style” all flowing seamlessly into one another.
This peaceful environment rests among the clouds above the world’s most captivating city and offers unobstructed views in all directions spanning from the northern hills to the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond.
Life here is enhanced by a cadre of 5-star building amenities including a spa, gym, pool, library, theater, private restaurant with home delivery, conference rooms and lounges. Concierge service eases life’s necessary details.
This one-of-a-kind residence is now being quietly offered for sale. Included in the offering are all custom-made furniture designed by Hiroshi Sugimoto, site-specific permanent installation works of art by Hiroshi Sugimoto, and two adjacent studio apartments.
“Someday in the future, when we have lost all connection with nature, the bonsai garden in this space will remain as an image of nature as it once existed, just like the seascapes now hanging on the wall.” - Hiroshi Sugimoto
Architect: New Material Research Laboratory/
Hiroshi Sugimoto + Tomoyuki Sakakida
Local Architect: YUN Architecture,
principals Susan Yun & Felix Ade
To view a video tour, please visit FloatingInnerGarden.com.
For more information please contact:
Noel Berk or Doug Graham of the Mercedes Berk Team
at Engel & Völkers New York City
E: noel.berk@engelvoelkers.com
T: 212-371-4065
E: doug.graham@engelvoelkers.com
T: 516-233-6438