A new condominium in New York City's Tribeca neighbourhood refreshingly marks the return of bluestone as an exterior building material, gracing the outside of the tightly packed structure with a raw and rocky aesthetic. The hand-laid, rough-hewn local bluestone of 12 Warren, developed and designed by DDG, evokes a standard of craftsmanship and masonry that is rarely found in modern developments. 

The uneven surface and massing of 12 Warren, image courtesy of Bruce Damonte via DDG

Sourced from a quarry in upstate New York, the bluestone provides a rich contrast against the glass towers and historic lofts of Tribeca. The "push and pull" of the facade, along with its uneven natural stacking, produce a unique complimentary building envelope to the 13 full-floor, duplex, and triplex residences, which range from two to four bedrooms and 1,700 to 3,800 square feet. The full-floor residences feature ten-foot ceilings, stretching up to 22 feet in the triplex townhouse residences. Expansive windows of seven feet tall ensure an ample supply of natural light throughout the space. Periodic bluestone accents provide a connection between the interior and exterior designs. A solid bluestone wall in the lobby further cements that design link.

12 Warren, image courtesy of Bruce Damonte via DDG

A model apartment on the eighth floor has been furnished by The Future Perfect and outfitted with exclusive pieces from Shanghai-based architecture and design studio Neri & Hu, including a timber top shaker dining table, brass- and copper-topped side tables, and a Danish oiled walnut trunk low cabinet. The sophisticated suite gives discerning buyers a glimpse of the locally crafted elements and internationally sourced finishes that lend a refined elegance to the project.

12 Warren is sandwiched between dense neighbours, image courtesy of Bruce Damonte via DDG

Where most on-site fitness centres lack flair, 12 Warren's private gym goes the opposite route. Reclaimed wood flooring, exposed brick masonry, and board-formed concrete details bring an unapologetic Tribeca vibe to the workout space. A landscaped roof terrace, multiple storage rooms, and DDG's signature concierge service cap off the project's amenity offerings.

Interior of a model suite, image courtesy of Robert Granoff

The entirety of the exterior surface avoids repetition, from the unpredictable fenestration to the amorphous stonework, resulting in a dynamic building that embraces historical references yet carves, quite literally, its own identity.