Lantern House, completed in 2021, stands as a testament to Heatherwick Studio’s innovative approach to residential architecture in New York City. Located at 515 West 18th Street in the Chelsea neighbourhood, this development comprises two towers—one 10 storeys and the other 21 storeys—connected by a sculptural glass lobby beneath the High Line. The design reimagines the traditional bay window, a feature prevalent in late Victorian and Edwardian architecture, by creating double-height, stacked bay windows held between robust brick piers. These three-dimensional windows, freed from corner columns, offer residents panoramic views and light-filled interiors, blending historical inspiration with modern design.
The façade of Lantern House is a contemporary interpretation of the area’s industrial heritage, featuring textured grids of bay windows and hand-laid antiqued grey brickwork with industrial metal detailing. This design pays homage to the maritime warehouses that once characterised the Chelsea neighbourhood, grounding the building within its historical context while asserting a bold, contemporary identity. The lantern-like bay windows not only maximise natural light but also provide a distinctive character to the building, setting it apart from the typical glass-box aesthetic prevalent in the area.
The interior spaces of Lantern House are thoughtfully designed to complement the unique architectural features. The residences, ranging from one- to four-bedroom apartments, many with private setback terraces, are curated by March & White Design. The interiors draw inspiration from the history of the neighbourhood, incorporating warm natural materials, elegant custom finishes, solid core wood doors, and integrated appliances, all under striking 10.75-foot-high ceilings. These elements create a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication, enhancing the living experience for residents.
The development offers a range of amenities designed to cater to the diverse needs of its residents. The 1,900-square-foot glass-walled lobby pavilion, often referred to as a ‘secret garden,’ serves as a central gathering space, enveloped by the distinctive lantern-like windows and punctuated by massive steel railway columns. At ground level, retail spaces wrap the corner site with bay windows, creating human-scaled shops with divisible tenancies, eschewing the overwhelming size of New York’s plate-glass windows.
Lantern House’s location along the High Line provides residents with unique urban views and access to one of New York City’s most celebrated public spaces. The High Line, a transformed elevated railway, offers a green oasis amidst the urban landscape, enhancing the living experience and contributing to the building’s distinctive character. The integration of the High Line into the design not only connects the two towers but also serves as a defining feature of the development, reflecting Heatherwick Studio’s commitment to creating architecture that responds to its context.
The completion of Lantern House in 2021 marked a significant milestone for Heatherwick Studio, being their first residential project in the United States. The building’s innovative design and thoughtful integration into the Chelsea neighbourhood have been met with acclaim, contributing to the ongoing architectural evolution of New York City. The project reflects a broader trend of reimagining traditional architectural elements to create modern, livable spaces that resonate with both historical context and contemporary needs.
In summary, Lantern House exemplifies Heatherwick Studio’s ability to blend historical inspiration with modern design, creating a residential building that is both contextually grounded and forward-thinking. Its distinctive architectural features, thoughtful interiors, and integration with the High Line make it a noteworthy addition to New York City’s architectural landscape, offering residents a unique living experience that honours the past while embracing the future.
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