Kent Avenue Penthouse
Located within a grand waterfront building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Kent Avenue Penthouse rises through disciplined architectural moves and symbiotic interiors.
Rather than reshaping the shell, Norm Architects focused on refinement, optimising natural light and spatial flow while carefully considering sightlines and functions within compact, vertical spaces. “In this case, we reconfigured the floor plan and introduced a stronger dialogue between inside and out, extending the living experience toward the generous deck overlooking the water,” says partner Peter Eland.
The clients, a family of four, were looking for a home to serve as their Big Apple base, somewhere comfortable, welcoming and lived-in. It was also important that there be plenty of room to accommodate visiting family and guests, with dedicated areas for both privacy and togetherness. The interiors, calm and understated, offer a sense of serenity across 350 square metres.
The home features a main apartment as well as a guest space on the same level; however, it is fully independent and has its own private entrance. The two units are joined visually by a shared attention to detail, materiality and a unified aesthetic. Rather than compete with the area’s visual intensity, Eland and his team interpreted its dynamism through subtle contrasts and spatial rhythm. Natural materials, muted tones and layered textures add richness to complement the buzzing metropolis just outside.
In the main apartment, there are uninterrupted sightlines from the open-concept kitchen to the living room and out toward the terrace and East River. Adjacent is a cozy TV lounge and a child’s room. From the kitchen, a doorway leads into the adult suite, which features a home office, bedroom, walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. Along the hallway, floor-to-ceiling windows fill the apartment with light. The guest unit is refined and self-contained, with a kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom and office nook. Large windows also play a role in bringing light into these spaces.
Natural wood adds warmth and an organic touch, appearing in the kitchen, living spaces and bedrooms. In the kitchen, a sleek steel worktop introduces a refined contrast. In the living room, a bookcase with a perforated steel backing connects the areas visually. The bathroom, clad in large grey stone slabs with silver fixtures, feels chic and modern with a minimalist edge. Throughout, curtains add softness and cast gentle shadows.
The project, completed in 2024, came with its challenges but was guided by a clear vision: to optimise the open layout and ensure a seamless flow while maintaining intimacy and comfort.
Floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the terrace required careful engineering. “In the end, these efforts contributed to a home that feels effortlessly connected to its surroundings, an expansive yet inviting retreat high above the city,” says the architect.
Outside, the terrace plays a central role in tying the home to its setting, with plantings conceived as an extension of the calmness felt inside. The idea was to frame the views without taking away from them, allowing the family to feel grounded in the environment while enjoying the Manhattan skyline and river.
Interior design by Norm Architects.
