This New York Penthouse Designed by Shigeru Ban Is at the Top of Our Wish List This Year
Cast Iron House has been an iconic landmark in the heart of Tribeca since it was designed by W. Wheeler Smith in 1881—and it made headlines in 2017 when it was transformed into a luxurious boutique condo by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban. There are, however, only 13 apartments in the building and they rarely come up for sale. Recently, however, premium real estate agency The Corcoran Group listed a stunning duplex penthouse with interiors by celebrated designer Sebastian Zuchowicki for $14.95M.
"The standout features of the penthouse are the soaring ceilings and fully retractable sliding glass walls," says agent Dana Power. "It blends breezy California style indoor/outdoor living with the best of NYC skyline views."
Cast Iron House was originally built in 1881 and was recently transformed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban into a boutique condo with 13 residences—and the penthouse celebrates the impressive views over the New York City skyline with multiple terraces and ample glazing.
With five bedrooms and unbeatable views over the New York City skyline, the penthouse is the perfect home to host guests during the holiday season. It’s also located just moments from classic downtown New York holiday experiences—think ice skating at Brookfield Place, the dazzling Wall Street Christmas tree, and the Broad Street holiday markets.
The penthouse has four distinct terraces spanning more than 1,500 square feet, including one designed for al fresco dining, with an outdoor dining setting, lounges, and barbeque. Another terrace features a custom dog run for furry friends to enjoy.
The great room features soaring 20-foot-high ceilings that offer dramatic impact in the living space. "The volume and ceiling height create a grand and inviting atmosphere for guests to celebrate any occasion," says Dana Power, the broker with The Corcoran Group on the listing. "During the holiday season, showcase the double-height ceilings in the great room with a massive tree for your family and friends to decorate."
The open, airy dining area on the lower floor is perfect for large dinner parties. It also opens out to a terrace, which can cater for smaller gatherings outside around the fire pit, or after-dinner drinks overlooking the city.
The spacious terraces allow for true indoor/outdoor living—a rarity in New York City—and boast impressive views over the streets of Manhattan. "Bringing the outdoors inside is an aspect that Japanese architecture is known for and this penthouse fully blends together the interior and exterior space," says Power of the Shigeru Ban-designed home.
The 4,500-square-foot penthouse is split across two levels, with the lower level defined by an enormous great room with sliding glass walls that open to a wrap-around landscaped terrace. A small guest bedroom is discreetly tucked behind the kitchen, and a separate living area—known as the "den"—occupies the other end of the space.
The den is a cozy space to watch films or play holiday games. Like the rest of the living spaces, it opens out to a landscaped terrace with sprawling city views.
The seamless connection between inside and out on the ground floor epitomizes the approach of the interior design and architecture. Both celebrate the "Osaka style" and pay homage to Japanese-American heritage through simple, clean lines and a celebration of nature. Similarly, the interior is defined by natural materials—such as wood and stone—and the color palette throughout is neutral to complement the tones found in nature.
The sleek, all-white kitchen features an eat-in waterfall island, custom white matte lacquer cabinets, Bianco Oro countertops, and a suite of fully integrated Gaggenau appliances. "The open kitchen has an expansive island with a high-top seating area, which would be perfect to create a chef's table experience where an intimate group of guests can enjoy the culinary display and creations happening right before their eyes," suggests agent Dana Power.
"You feel like you are in an oasis where you can relax or you can enjoy the terrace open to the sky and views," says Power. "It truly has a calming energy when you walk into the great room and feel the light and airy space."
The primary suite features a timber-paneled wall flanked by the en suite on one side and a walk-in closet on the other. The warm timber tones complement the architectural palette found in the cityscape framed by the floor-to-ceiling windows. "The primary bedroom has one of the best views in all of the city with amazing skyline views that clear all the way north to Hudson Yards and the Empire State Building," says Power.
The en suite bathroom boasts a Corian double vanity, radiant heated marble floors, walk-in shower, and a freestanding Kaldewei soaking tub in front of a floor-to-ceiling glass wall that frames views over the city.
Upstairs, the mezzanine wing is dedicated to an impressive primary suite that overlooks the great room on the lower level and boasts a private terrace and spa-like en suite. Adjacent to the primary suite are two versatile rooms that can be used as closets, gym, or office space; while two additional bedrooms and a utility are located opposite the primary suite, affording residents and guests precious privacy.
The guest bedrooms are designed to evoke a luxurious urban retreat, and are ideal for hosting guests for extended periods during the holiday season.
Entertaining and relaxing isn’t limited to the penthouse as Cast Iron House itself also boasts enviable amenities—from a state-of-the-art fitness center designed by The Wright Fit and a dance/yoga studio, to a resort-style spa—that residents and guests can enjoy post-holiday cheer. With just 13 apartments, these shared spaces still feel exclusive.
Cast Iron House boasts numerous amenities, including this resort-style hydrotherapy spa with a steam and sauna room.
"This home is perfect for anyone who loves the best of both worlds—a quiet sanctuary and fun-filled entertaining space," says Power. "The indoor/outdoor living space works as a sanctuary for daily retreats and recharging, but it’s also easy to share with friends and family."
Project Credits:
Architect: Shigeru Ban
Corcoran real estate agents have been helping buyers, sellers, and renters in New York City since 1973. Today, hundreds of the industry’s most celebrated real estate agents serve New Yorkers from company-owned offices across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
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