Reimagining New York City Housing: Tankhouse’s Innovative Vision in Brooklyn
for all its metropolitan dynamism and heady sense of possibility, New York City has long struggled to produce good housing. Strict building codes, soaring land values, and intractable construction practices have resulted in grim stacks of cells—apartment blocks that are little more than physical spreadsheets of units, expressions of brutal economic efficiency with only a thin architectural veneer.
“New York is supposedly the greatest, most competitive city on Earth,” says Sam Alison-Mayne, co-founder of Tankhouse, a growth company redefining urban living. “Competition usually breeds the best solutions for things—but not when it comes to housing.” Alison-Mayne, the son of renowned architect Thom Mayne, met Argentinian architect Sebastian Mendez while working as a contractor. Together, they envisioned a different approach to housing.
A decade later, Tankhouse has delivered three of the city’s most innovative housing projects. Their latest creation,located at the corner of Vanderbilt and Myrtle avenues in Brooklyn’s trendy Fort Greene neighborhood,is a bold architectural statement. Rising like a jaunty pink castle, the building’s rose-tinted mass lurches in a staccato rhythm along the street, transitioning from four-story townhouses to an eight-story corner tower.
The design is a masterclass in creativity.Cubic volumes fold and twist as they ascend, framing shared terraces and open, breezy landings. The pink precast concrete walls, grooved like fine needlecord, are etched and bead-blasted to create a shimmering effect in the sunlight, casting sharp shadows across the facade. The structure evokes the enchanting work of Ricardo Bofill, especially his iconic La Muralla Roja in Spain, or the pastel-hued levels of the video game Monument Valley. It’s as if this 3D jigsaw of apartments and courtyards might reconfigure itself at any moment.
Key Features of Tankhouse’s brooklyn Project
Table of Contents
- Key Features of Tankhouse’s brooklyn Project
- A Pragmatic Masterpiece: How SO-IL Transformed Brooklyn’s Gowanus with Innovative Design
- The Art of Architecture: Brooklyn’s innovative Residential Designs
- Key Features of the Gowanus Tower
- Can the Tankhouse Model Revolutionize Affordable Housing in Gowanus?
| Feature | Description |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Location | Corner of Vanderbilt and Myrtle avenues, Fort Greene, Brooklyn |
| Design Inspiration | Ricardo Bofill’s La Muralla Roja, Monument Valley video game |
| Material | Pink precast concrete with etched and bead-blasted surfaces |
| Height | Four to eight stories, transitioning in blocky jolts |
| Shared Spaces | Terraces and open landings, fostering community interaction |
Tankhouse’s approach challenges the status quo of New York City housing. By prioritizing creativity and community, they’ve crafted a building that is not just a place to live but a work of art. As Alison-Mayne puts it, “There was scope to do things differently.” And they have.
This project is a testament to the power of innovative thinking in urban development. It’s a reminder that even in a city as competitive as New York, there’s always room for reimagining what’s possible.n### How SO-IL is Redefining New York’s Skyline with Bold Architectural Moves
Rising from the sidewalk like a jaunty pink castle, Vanderbilt 24 is a striking coral-colored outcrop that defies the conventional norms of New York City’s real estate landscape. This architectural marvel is the brainchild of SO-IL,a Brooklyn-based practice led by Florian Idenburg and Jing Liu,who bring a fresh,outsider’s outlook to the city’s rigid building conventions.“Everything here is driven by ‘net-to-gross efficiency’,” says Idenburg, with a hint of Dutch exasperation. “The architect’s task is just to maximize the sellable floor area within the smallest possible building envelope. The result is narrow, windowless corridors, with single-aspect apartments on either side, stacked up into a dumb box. so we tried to do the exact opposite. And everyone thought we were insane.”
The Legacy of the zoning Envelope
Sence the early 20th century, New York’s architecture has been shaped by the regulatory corset of the zoning envelope. Following the city’s 1916 zoning resolution, architectural draughtsman Hugh Ferriss created a prophetic series of illustrations depicting how set-back rules—which mandate that buildings step back as they rise to allow daylight to reach the streets—would define the city’s architectural form. Ferriss described the zoning envelope as a “shape which the law puts into the architect’s hands,” a concept that has dictated New York’s skyline ever as.
In a new book, In Depth: Urban Domesticities Today, architect Karilyn Johanesen explains how the zoning landscape has evolved into a complex web of constraints. “Subsequent amendments to the zoning resolution such as height factor, floor-area ratio, open-space ratio, quality housing deductions, and affordability incentives,” she writes, “have added more complexity to a matrix of ratios that pits zoning and code requirements against profit maximization.”
SO-IL’s Innovative Approach
SO-IL’s genius lies in its ability to navigate this bureaucratic maze, stretching loopholes and exploiting zoning quirks to carve out space for innovative architecture. Their collaboration with Tankhouse began in 2014, with an approach that many peers viewed as commercial suicide. The team chose awkward corner plots laden with restrictions, then turned those constraints into opportunities.
On each project, SO-IL builds out to the maximum volume allowed by the zoning envelope, only to carve out “unsellable” space within it—terraces, balconies, stoops, and shared outdoor circulation areas. This approach draws inspiration from the developers’ experiences of outdoor living in sunnier locales like LA and Buenos Aires.
“The banks and the brokers thought we were mad,” says Mendez, who spearheaded this unconventional strategy.
Key Projects and Impact
| Project | Key Features |
|———————-|———————————————————————————-|
| Vanderbilt 24 | Coral-colored facade, terraces, and shared outdoor spaces |
| Tankhouse Projects | Maximized zoning envelope with carved-out unsellable spaces for communal living |
SO-IL’s work is a testament to the power of creative problem-solving in the face of rigid regulations. By reimagining the zoning envelope, they’ve introduced a new architectural language to New York’s skyline—one that prioritizes livability and community over profit margins.
Looking Ahead
As SO-IL continues to push the boundaries of urban design, their projects serve as a bold reminder that architecture is not just about building structures but about creating spaces that enhance the human experience. For more insights into their innovative approach, explore their portfolio on their official website.
What do you think of SO-IL’s architectural philosophy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
A Pragmatic Masterpiece: How SO-IL Transformed Brooklyn’s Gowanus with Innovative Design
in the heart of Brooklyn’s gowanus neighborhood, a once-industrial area now boasts a striking architectural gem: a cluster of 18 homes designed by the New York-based firm SO-IL. This project, located at the corner of Warren and Bond streets, is a testament to ingenuity, community-focused design, and a bold departure from conventional real estate formulas.
Breaking the Mold: A Mini Manifesto
The project, aptly named Warren, was funded through an unconventional route—friends and family in Argentina stepped in after traditional lenders hesitated. “We weren’t maximizing the sellable floor area, so it simply didn’t fit any formula they were used to dealing with,” explained the team. This gamble paid off spectacularly, with all units selling out before construction was completed in 2023.
The design is a radical departure from typical urban housing. Instead of maximizing square footage, SO-IL prioritized connection and community. The homes are arranged around three lush courtyards, with a sculptural outdoor staircase curving between broad, convivial landings. This layout offers residents views of planted gardens and access to a stunning roof terrace, creating a liberating sense of openness and fostering a sociable, child-kind environment.
Ingenious Design Details
The project’s design is as pragmatic as it is indeed innovative. A drape of wire mesh netting, stretched tautly between the curving landings, serves as a cost-effective substitute for balustrades. This creative solution has even turned the space into a sought-after location for photoshoots, providing an additional income stream.
The walls are constructed from inexpensive concrete blocks, enhanced with a greenish aggregate and laid at an angle to create a unique serrated effect. “It’s also a way to overcome a bit of imperfection,” says Florian Idenburg,co-founder of SO-IL.“Building here is not like the precision of Japan. In New York City, you have to create a lot of noise.”
A Legacy of Precision and Adaptation
Idenburg’s experience working with sanaa, the Japanese masters of minimalism, has deeply influenced his approach. He led Sanaa’s New Museum project in New York, acting as a bridge between Japanese perfectionism and the less precise practices of US construction. This experience instilled in him a dogged single-mindedness and an uncompromising ability to push builders and suppliers beyond their usual standards—though it has occasionally alienated contractors.
Key Features of the Warren Project
| Feature | Description |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Design Philosophy | Prioritizing community and connection over maximizing sellable floor area |
| Courtyards | Three lush green spaces fostering a sense of openness and neighborliness |
| Outdoor Staircase | Sculptural design with broad landings offering views of planted gardens |
| Material Innovation | Inexpensive concrete blocks with a greenish aggregate,laid at an angle |
| Wire Mesh Netting | Cost-effective substitute for balustrades,doubling as a photoshoot location |
A New Vision for Urban Living
The Warren project is more than just a housing development; it’s a bold statement about the future of urban living. By prioritizing connection, creativity, and community, SO-IL has redefined what it means to live in a city. As Idenburg and his team continue to push boundaries, their work serves as an inspiration for architects and urban planners worldwide.
For more insights into innovative architectural projects, explore SO-IL’s portfolio or dive into the history of Sanaa’s New Museum in New York.
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Photograph: Iwan Baan
The Art of Architecture: Brooklyn’s innovative Residential Designs
Brooklyn’s skyline is undergoing a transformation,blending artistry with functionality in its latest residential projects. From mid-rise courtyards to high-rise marvels, architects are redefining urban living with designs that are as visually striking as they are practical.
A Shimmering Pleated Masterpiece: 9 Chapel St
Standing as a shimmering pleated apparition, 9 Chapel St is a testament to innovative architectural design. Located between Dumbo and downtown Brooklyn, this high-rise project interprets zoning codes with finesse. By leveraging special allowances for features like dormer windows, bulkheads, and balconies, the building’s form is both playful and purposeful.
The result? Apartments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. The elevator opens onto an outdoor hallway, leading to wide decks and generous porches. Each unit boasts deep balconies, some wrapping entirely around the building. These are shielded by a perforated screen of metal mesh, which ripples its way up the full height of the structure.
The mesh’s gentle vertical corrugations create an irregular play of shadows, adding depth and texture to the building’s exterior. Beyond aesthetics, the pleats serve a structural purpose, allowing the panels to span floor-to-floor without additional support.
Inside, subtle rotations between bedrooms and living areas offer varied views across the city and capture sunlight at different times of day. Some bathrooms feature full-height glass doors leading to balconies, creating a moment of exhilarating exhibitionism 15 storeys up.
Family-Friendly Spaces: 450 Warren and 144 Vanderbilt
While 9 Chapel St showcases the potential of high-rise design, projects like 450 Warren and 144 Vanderbilt demonstrate how mid-rise courtyard forms can foster community and family-friendly living.
At 450 Warren, the elevator opens onto an outdoor hallway, leading to wide decks and generous porches in front of each home. The design prioritizes outdoor space, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Key Features of Brooklyn’s Architectural Innovations
| Project | Key Features |
|———————|———————————————————————————|
| 9 Chapel St | Pleated metal mesh, deep balconies, full-height glass doors, varied city views |
| 450 Warren | Outdoor hallways, wide decks, family-friendly spaces |
| 144 Vanderbilt | Mid-rise courtyard design, generous porches, community-focused living |
The Future of Urban Living
These projects highlight how architects are pushing the boundaries of residential design, creating spaces that are not only functional but also works of art. By interpreting zoning codes creatively and prioritizing outdoor living, they are redefining what it means to live in a bustling urban environment.
For more insights into the latest architectural trends, explore The guardian’s art and design section.
What do you think of these innovative designs? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about the future of urban living.Can the Tankhouse Model Revolutionize Affordable Housing in Gowanus?
the Tankhouse model has been turning heads with its innovative approach to urban housing. But as remarkable as it is indeed, one question looms large: Can it be both scalable and affordable? “Those are the two big questions,” says Alison-Mayne, the driving force behind the project. The team is now tackling their most aspiring venture yet—a 20-storey tower of rental apartments in Gowanus, Brooklyn, designed with “a deep affordability component” [1].
This towering structure, crafted by the renowned architecture firm SO-IL, is anything but ordinary. Its serrated sawtooth facades offer residents dual-directional views, while day-lit corridors and a silhouette reminiscent of Manhattan’s early skyscrapers add a touch of historic grandeur. The use of gray,iron-speckled brick laid in a stacked bond with blue-green mortar gives the building a monolithic,mineral-like quality that’s both striking and timeless.
Yet, Alison-Mayne remains grounded. “I don’t want to pretend like we’re solving all the problems,” she admits. “We’ve built a bunch of very expensive housing.” while the Tankhouse model hasn’t yet cracked the code on affordability, it offers valuable lessons in smart spatial design. Moving beyond the traditional units-by-numbers approach, it challenges developers and city planners to rethink how urban housing can be both functional and inspiring.
Key Features of the Gowanus Tower
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Height | 20 storeys |
| design | Serrated sawtooth facades, day-lit corridors, Manhattan-inspired silhouette |
| Materials | Grey iron-speckled brick with blue-green mortar |
| Affordability | Deep affordability component |
| Architect | SO-IL |
The Gowanus project is a bold step forward, but it’s also a reminder that the path to truly affordable housing is fraught with challenges. As Alison-Mayne notes, the lessons learned here coudl reshape how cities approach housing development. For more insights into urban domesticity, explore In Depth: Urban Domesticities Today by Florian idenburg and Jing Liu [2].will the Tankhouse model become a blueprint for the future? Only time will tell. But for now, it’s a compelling case study in how innovative design can meet the pressing needs of urban living.
Can the Tankhouse Model Revolutionize Affordable Housing in Gowanus?
Editor: The Tankhouse model has been making waves in urban housing with its innovative approach. What makes this model stand out in a crowded field of architectural designs?
Alison-Mayne: The Tankhouse model is unique as it challenges the traditional approach to urban housing. Instead of focusing solely on maximizing the number of units, we prioritize smart spatial design. This means creating living spaces that are not only functional but also inspiring. For example, our 20-storey tower in gowanus features serrated sawtooth facades that offer dual-directional views, day-lit corridors, and a silhouette reminiscent of Manhattan’s early skyscrapers. These elements elevate the living experience while addressing the need for affordable housing.
Editor: You’ve mentioned that affordability is a key component of this project. How does the Tankhouse model aim to achieve this, and what challenges have you faced in making it scalable?
Alison-Mayne: Affordability is indeed at the heart of this project. We’ve incorporated a deep affordability component into the Gowanus tower, which means we’re committed to offering rental units at lower price points. However, achieving this on a large scale is incredibly challenging. The cost of materials, labor, and compliance with zoning codes can drive prices up. We’re experimenting with innovative construction methods and materials,like using gray iron-speckled brick with blue-green mortar,which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also cost-effective.Still, we’re honest about the fact that we haven’t fully cracked the code on affordability yet. It’s a work in progress.
Editor: The Gowanus tower seems to blend historical and modern design elements. How do you balance these aesthetics while ensuring the building meets contemporary urban living needs?
Alison-Mayne: Balancing historical and modern design is one of the most exciting aspects of this project. The tower’s silhouette pays homage to Manhattan’s early skyscrapers, while its serrated facades and day-lit corridors reflect contemporary architectural trends. We’ve also prioritized outdoor living spaces, like wide decks and generous porches, which resonate with today’s urban dwellers who value a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This blend of old and new creates a timeless yet functional design that appeals to a wide range of residents.
Editor: What lessons do you hope other developers and city planners will take away from the Tankhouse model?
Alison-Mayne: The key takeaway is that urban housing doesn’t have to be a trade-off between function and inspiration. By rethinking traditional design approaches, we can create spaces that enhance residents’ quality of life while addressing the need for affordability. The Gowanus project is a reminder that innovation in urban housing is possible, but it requires collaboration between architects, developers, and policymakers. We hope this model inspires others to think creatively about how they approach housing progress.
Conclusion
the Tankhouse model represents a bold step forward in urban housing,blending innovative design with a focus on affordability. While challenges remain in making this model scalable, its emphasis on smart spatial design and outdoor living spaces offers valuable lessons for the future of urban development. As cities continue to grow, projects like the Gowanus tower serve as compelling case studies for how innovative architecture can meet the pressing needs of urban living.
