Urban Oasis: a Seaport penthouse

Atop a nineteenth century mill building, the windows in this glass penthouse reflect downtown office towers and a bustling harbor. Zen is not what comes to mind in this setting but the owner, a modern day hippie, wanted a respite from the urban jungle.

How to fashion a sanctuary that looks inward as much as it looks out? The answer is a lofty space repeating the rhythm of the city but warmly, organically.

The ceiling unfolds like plaster origami through the space, lighting concealed in the creases. The carved kitchen island, floating in the middle of the great room, mimics a water lily. A parquet field of birch planks and travertine tiles carpet the floors with straw yellow hues.