Architecture

Tour the Zaha Hadid Building That Rises over the High Line

We look inside the luxe, futuristic apartments at 520 West 28th Street in New York, which the Iraqi-British architect designed shortly before her death.

by Katherine Gleason

Zaha Hadid‘s staggered design of 520 West 28th Street, seen here from the High Line park, allows for a variety of views of New York City, the Hudson River and New Jersey’s Gold Coast. Rendering by Hayes Davidson

Manhattan’s only residential building designed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, the Pritzker Prize–winning architect, will soon open in West Chelsea. Long intrigued by the neighborhood, Hadid drew inspiration from its many art galleries and the High Line, the elevated park that transformed a disused railway line into an urban oasis, which the structure overlooks.

In addition to a 75-foot swimming pool, a private IMAX theater, an outdoor sculpture deck and automated valet parking, the 39-unit ultra-luxury building features Hadid’s signature curves. The hand-rubbed-metal facade describes a fluid line that rises from the ground and loops skyward, forming a chevron pattern.

The lobby of 520 West 28th Street, by Zaha Hadid

The lobby of 520 West 28th Street. Rendering by Hayes Davidson

“One of the foundations of our work is the seamless connectivity between building and landscape,” says Ed Gaskin, senior associate at Zaha Hadid Architects. “For 520 West 28th, this is an urban landscape. The fluidity of the building’s handcrafted facade deliberately frames different views from each apartment along the High Line, to the Empire State and towards the Hudson River.”

Although Hadid died unexpectedly before the building was completed, this unique residence bears her innovative stamp throughout. “The project was fully designed inside and out and was well under construction at the time of her sudden passing,” says Greg Gushee of the Related Companies, the developer of the building.

Jennifer Post and West Chin, each of whom is both architect and designer, staged model apartments in the new complex. Post says: “I wanted to be respectful of the vision that Zaha had for the building with her signature curves and fluid lines and of course to respect the centerpiece of the space — its spectacular views of the city.”

Click through the slideshow below to see the model interiors.

Tour the Zaha Hadid Building That Rises over the High Line

This kitchen, staged by Jennifer Post, flows into the family room and has views of both the city and the High Line. A balcony that runs the length of both rooms — more than 26 feet — further connects this residence to the vibrancy of the urban landscape. The building’s many terraces echo the High Line — in form, construction materials and user experience.

The seamless kitchen island, with its elegant cutout, was designed by Hadid specifically for the building and was manufactured by Boffi using a proprietary process. The sculptures are by Martha Sturdy.

The graceful curve of the bedroom window is pure Hadid. The arched line forms part of the exterior’s chevron pattern. The window provides a close up look of the building’s eastern facade and frames a view of the High Line, thus bringing urban nature indoors.

The room’s furnishing, which include a custom millwork headboard, a Lazonni bed, Berndhart Design armchairs, a console by Robert Kuo and a silk rug from Doris Leslie Blau, were selected by Post. The Marilyn Monroe print is the work of Gérard Rancinan.

In addition to the curved window, this bedroom features a coffered ceiling for a sense of expansive space. The room feels both intimate and infused with the vibrant energy of the city. “We started our process by imagining what type of client would be inspired to own a piece of this iconic building resting on the High Line,” says West Chin.

“We pictured a sophisticated design-conscious bachelor or stylish couple, and we created a space that would nurture their love of design.” Here, the reading chair, bed, table and carpet are by Living Divani, the print is by Bartolome + Chey, and Stickbulb made the tripod floor lamp next to the chair.

Even this bathroom, with its floor-to-ceiling window that allows for High Line views, promotes an experience of urban nature. The vanity mirrors were designed by Hadid and custom made.

The storage, which features an integrated electrical supply system with concealed LED fixtures, was custom fabricated by Boffi. The tub is by Teuco, and the sculpture that Post brought in is the work of Marc Quinn.

Floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides of this great room, which encompasses the living room and dining area, emphasize Hadid’s desire to connect the building with its surroundings. “The color palette I selected is muted, organic with small pops of color only to accentuate the architectural elements,” Post says.

She placed a brightly colored Allan D’Arcangelo painting in playful juxtaposition with a Robert Kuo penguin sculpture. The view, a creation of New York City, has been framed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid.

All interior photos by Scott Frances

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Posted on August 04, 2017