Pratt Students Design Model Units for Carroll Gardens Project
Pratt Institute alumni, faculty and students are completely outfitting two model units at the new Third + Bond Townhouses in
A project of the Hudson Companies, the development (at Third and Bond streets) is described as a mid-rise, luxury project that will achieve both LEED Gold and Energy Star certifications.
Designed by Rogers Marvel Architects, the development is a series of eight four-story townhouses with a total of 44 residential condominium units - a modern adaptation of the traditional townhouse. The goal is to attract families and young professionals who seek "green living in a friendly and convenient neighborhood."
The two units to be outfitted by Pratt, a three-bedroom duplex and a floor-through three-bedroom, will be on view beginning when sales are launched - probably the second week in October, according to Alison Novak, project manager for Hudson. The Corcoran Group is handling sales and already has a list of about 100 potential buyers who have indicated an interest, she said.
The idea of having Pratt be a part of this development, and create holistic interior home environments for its models, came from Karen Auster of Karen Auster Events, who made the initial contact with Pratt, according to Novak.
"This is such a cool building, we wondered how we could make it even more cool," said Novak.
Anthony Caradonna, Pratt professor of Architecture and a Pratt alum, coordinated the curating, styling and staging of the apartments.
"These high-design environments represent the extraordinary range of talent of Pratt's students, faculty and alumni," he said. "The spaces are fully functional residential interiors that reflect a diverse cultural milieu intrinsic to
Interior design students have designed the custom "Gowanus Oyster" and "1920s-era Abstracted Brooklyn Map" wallpapers as well as textiles and wall art. Architecture students have designed a line of recycled cardboard furniture and home accessories.
The furniture is fabricated in natural wood, glass and metal, and includes various designs by former Pratt faculty Eva Zeisel, industrial design professor and alumnus Bruce Hannah, architecture professor and alumnus Bill Katavolos, and alumni Harry Allen and Giovanni Pellone.
The apartments will be outfitted with GROW, an ivy-like solar and wind panel system designed by Pratt alumni and acquired by The Museum of Modern Art for its permanent collection in 2008.
Caradonna selected other objects that rely on no-waste-design and material strategies made from both cutting-edge technologies like laser-cutting and inventive traditional design methods.
Said David Kramer, a principal at
Third + Bond has had its topping out and work has begun on the interiors, according to Novak, who estimates a February or March completion and occupancy.