Traditionally, the word ‘house’ referred merely to a structure meant to provide shelter. The focus of construction was solely on basic comfort and protection. Today, while these continue to be hygiene factors, a good residential building is expected to have some aesthetic value as well. Home owners want a dwelling whose appearance catches the eye. The use of glass in construction is sure to enhance the look of a building, and it is no wonder that Urban Glass House in NY, United States, has exploited this very property to achieve its stunning appearance.

Urban Glass House at 330, Spring Street in SoHo is a good-looking, mid-rise, residential condominium building, designed and named by the famous architect Philip Johnson (who died at the age of 98 in 2005) and his architectural partner Alan Ritchie. This was the last project worked on by Johnson, and arguably his most successful. A 12-storey glass house with 39 apartments and a penthouse unit, Urban Glass House was developed by Glass House Development LLC, a partnership of Abram Shnay, Charles Blaichman and Scott Sabbagh.   

The highlight of this condominium is its glass-walled exterior. With a high fenestration factor, the large square windows of the structure have five panes each, including zero-sightline, operable casements. Spandrel panels and columns cover the building’s concrete structure. The façade of this 12-storey glass box is decorated by setbacks providing private terraces for select apartments. This cubical building totally contains five small setback cutouts - on the 4^th, 9^th, 10^th and 12^th floors.

The penthouse unit has a 12-foot-high ceiling with a double-sided fireplace, while other apartments have 9-foot-9-inch-high ceilings. Palettes of black, gray, silver and matte and reflective surfaces are used for the interiors. Kitchens are equipped with stainless steel appliances and featured cabinets that have black linoleum doors and drawers along with stainless steel side panels and countertops. The lobby and elevators have also made liberal use of stainless steel.

Floor plans are designed to maximize space, heighten vistas and to enjoy spaciousness. White oak floors are laid out in a chevron pattern and large expanses of glass are used throughout the building.

High ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, glass showers and double sinks are some of the building’s special amenities. Each penthouse is a 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom wonder with a total of 4,266 sq ft of interior space, 1,579 sq ft of exterior space, and a 12-foot . The single bedroom apartments on the third floor have 35’8” X 18’5” of living space. These dwelling units cost anything between $1,650,000 and $3,200,000.

Urban Glass House is a truly “dazzling” example of modern architecture that makes ample use of glass to achieve the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics.