Global Inspiration: 91, Leonard Street, New York

Completed in 2019, 91 Leonard is situated in Tribeca in downtown Manhattan.

“Our primary design goal was to create a building that relates to and respects the surrounding historic city structure while providing a modern addition to the neighborhood,” said SOM Director Kim Van Holsbeke.

This has been achieved through a finely structured façade with large windows – a reference to the neighbouring old warehouse buildings and lofts with brick and natural stone façades. Regularly placed double windows are framed by a grid structure of rectangular ceramic baguettes from the KeraShape® system.

The areas between this grid structure and the recessed window openings consist of facade tiles of the ventilated terracotta facade system KeraTwin® K20.

This creates a detailed and contrast-rich picture. The elegant, matt black glaze of the terracotta creates a respectful interaction with neighbouring buildings – a contemporary interpretation of the typical Tribeca materials cast iron and stone.