construction begins on ben van berkel's first major US project

all images copyright archpartners 2008

ben van berkel has sent in details of his first major american building which recently began construction in
new york. the new project by van berkel's UNstudio will be located at five franklin place in downtown new york
and consist of a 20-story residential tower. the building will feature an elaborate facade consisting of overlapping
black metal bands. the design plays homage to the applied metal facades of the nearby 19th century cast iron
buildings of tribeca. the metal bands will serve as balconies for the residential units as well as forming an iconic
signature for the property. van berkel conceived of the building in 3 distinct zones, each having its own colour
and material palette. each zone was also planned to maximize natural lighting. hold a total of 55 residences
which will sell in the the range of 2 million USD to 16 million USD when the project is complete. oddly enough the
building by the dutch architect is set to be completed on the 400th anniversary of the first dutch settlement in
manhattan.

source : www.designboom.com

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