Architectural sketch of Grand Army Plaza design featuring custom bookshelves, a round table, curved seating, radiator vents, and directional arrows to Prospect Park. Includes notes on materials like white oak ply jamb and a key plan section.

An unconventional triangular co-op transformed into a sophisticated, light-filled home through inventive planning and finely crafted architectural details.

The Wedge Apartment

Photography by Blue Slate Films & Pernille Loof

The Plan

The layout was carefully developed to respond to the apartment’s unconventional geometry while elevating it to contemporary standards of living. Rather than fighting the triangular footprint, the design works with the building’s structure to establish clarity, balance, and flow.

Two substantial wall partitions with large cased openings organize nearly half of the apartment into three distinct yet interconnected living zones: kitchen, dining, and living room. These framed openings guide movement, align sightlines, and preserve a sense of openness, allowing each space to feel defined without becoming isolated.

At the center of the composition, the kitchen island becomes a sculptural focal point. Wrapped in black soapstone, the monolithic element is oriented perpendicular to the primary kitchen run and intentionally slices through one of the cased openings, visually and physically linking the kitchen to the dining area.

Throughout the dining and living spaces, custom millwork further shapes the interior. A built-in banquette creates a breakfast nook, while integrated bookcases, shelving, and a continuous millwork element conceal radiators and a new air-conditioning unit, providing generous storage and display surfaces that reinforce the apartment’s cohesive, tailored character.

Sustainability

Energy performance was significantly improved by insulating all exterior walls and replacing inefficient window air-conditioning units with a high-efficiency HVAC system carefully integrated to preserve ceiling height and provide even air distribution throughout the apartment. The new system cools the home using a fraction of the energy previously required. Opening up the floor plan introduced substantially more daylight, which—combined with energy-efficient LED lighting—has dramatically reduced lighting demand. A new mechanical exhaust system further improves air quality, while low-VOC paints and low-formaldehyde plywood and cabinetry were specified to support a healthier indoor environment.

Stylish entryway with wooden console table, round mirror, tall black candlesticks, white vase with flowers, and decorative pottery, set against a white paneled wall.

Modern living room with light-colored sofa, armchairs, and coffee table, decorated with yellow flowers and a rug, large windows with woven blinds, and neutral tones.

Modern dining nook with a black table, two chairs, a corner sofa, and a white vase with flowers. Nearby, there's a window with a beige shade, and in the background, a living room with a bookcase.

The kitchen island is wrapped in soapstone

Nursery room with a jungle-themed mural, white crib, gray armchair, stuffed toys, books, and large windows with greenery outside.

Small home office with a brown swivel chair, wooden desk, and shelving. A window with a potted plant and a lamp provides natural light. Floor is wooden, and shelves hold books and decorations.

Cozy bedroom with neutral tones, featuring a bed with beige linens and a green throw, a wooden nightstand with a lamp, alarm clock, and decorative objects. A geometric wall hanging is above the bed.

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