Drawing from the building’s established aesthetic and recent renovations to the lobby as a base, STUDIOS sought to create a bright and airy environment utilizing a neutral palette while celebrating warm wood that envelops the space. Building upon our inspiration, we also looked to the Greek origins of Helena meaning “bright, shining light” and the owner’s Scandinavian heritage which helped to solidify our design principles for the three-level amenity space.

One thing common with all apartments in New York is the limited amount of space within your own apartment so in order to refine the new program for the space, we looked for opportunities to create space that provided an element of ‘home’ that one desires, but may not be able to get in New York City. We wanted all of the spaces to feel inviting and provide a sense of “home away from home”. Additional working space is something most New Yorkers yearned for during the pandemic as well as multi-purpose spaces to gather that are larger than the average apartment.

Challenged with eight-foot ceiling heights and almost no access to windows across the spaces, STUDIOS’ design draws on the neutral palette inspiration and strategic lighting solutions to bring life to these spaces. A light ash wide plank flooring is consistent across all three spaces which creates continuity to noncontiguous space, but is also key to creating a light yet warm space. The same wood appears in built in millwork niches that take on unique identities in each space; bookshelves in the coworking space, boardgame storage and a reading banquette in the game room, and towel organization in the gym. Scandinavian design influence can be felt throughout including wood furniture and accents, decorative, statement lighting, and multifunctional and flexible designs.

The Durst Organization prioritizes sustainability and healthy building practices across all of its properties and notably, Helena West 57 was the first LEED Gold certified building. STUDIOS worked with Durst to ensure that the new systems, materials, and furniture used in the amenities were to the highest health and sustainability guidelines.