Bridge For Design November Issue 2015 November 2015 | Page 78

Soho Design Project

COFFINIER KU DESIGN

The Brief: To create a modern oasis
in the middle of bustling Soho

E

ABOVE: The library was designed by Etienne Coffinier and fabricated by Fanuka
out of American Cherry. The sofa was also designed by Etienne and made by
Upholstery Unlimited using Holly Hunt fabric
BELOW: The dining table is from Tucker Robbins and is a single slab of mahogany
10 feet long. The chandelier is by Swarovski

tienne Coffinier and Ed Ku of Coffinier Ku Design were
approached by a young couple who has just bought a 4,300
square foot art gallery with a brief to create a modern oasis
in the middle of Soho which incorporated traditional design
elements in a contemporary setting.
One of the couple grew up in Europe and wanted to incorporate some of
the grand flavour of Europe into the home – while the other dreamed of
being able to play basketball in his own home and always loved treehouses
as a child.
Etienne is a trained architect from France and knew instinctively how to
work the space. With the exception of the cast iron columns no element of
the original space remains, everything was designed and manufactured for
the project including all millwork, doors and mouldings. Coffinier Ku also
designed most of the furniture.
“This apartment is an escape from work, from the bustle of Soho and the
city – a place where our clients can escape to read quietly for an afternoon or
entertain good friends,” they said.
“We also tried to create a space that was uncluttered and only had things
that were important. The ability to breathe in the space was crucial.”
At the heart of the apartment is the Gallery, a gracious and generous space
punctuated by metal columns with custom designed nine foot double doors.
Silence, an artwork by Jack Pierson, makes a great statement and a specially
designed chandelier lights the area.
In the living room one end of a sofa designed by Etienne is almost as big as
a double bed perfect for curling up and watching a movie. Three statues by
Nek Chand are placed on Lucite stands and wool drapes stretch from floor
to ceiling.
The dining table is a single slab of mahogany more than 10 foot long with
Swarovski chandelier over it imported from London, while the library was
created to satisfy one of the couple who has a real passion for literature.
The kitchen is open with doors to both the dining and living rooms. The
cabinetry is faced with white acrylic panels and the counter tops are white
marble.
Coffinier Ku Design is a partnership between Etienne Coffinier and Ed Ku.
The company was founded in 1998 to bring a French-trained expertise in
architecture and interior design to the United States.

Coffinier & Ku Design | 249 East 57th Street #2, New York 10022
T: 001 212 715 9699 | www.coffinierku.com
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Bridge for Design November 2015