Located at 524 West 19th Street, Metal Shutter Houses is a development in New York, designed by the internationally renowned Shigeru Ban. This is Shigeru Ban's first condominium residence in the United States. The unique 11-story building has a changeable façade with motorized perforated metal shutters that serve as a light-modulating privacy screen at the outer edge of the terraces. The building can literally become a uniform minimal cube, or it can open up completely, depending on whether the shutters are open or closed. The project was inspired by the metal shutters on industrial buildings. There are nine units ranging from three-bedroom, 1,950-square-foot duplexes with terraces to four-bedroom, 2,700-square-foot duplexes with terraces and one four-bedroom duplex penthouse, which has 3,319 square feet and 1,963 square feet of outdoor space, including a private roof deck.
The residences in Shigeru Ban's Metal Shutter Houses employ the concept of a universal floor. The space can be completely opened up, creating one uninterrupted loft space. The mechanized shutters have horizontal perforated slats that allow the resident to see out when closed but block the city's prying eyes. When the shutter rolls up, it reveals a terrace that is separated from double-height living rooms by windows, which can also be raised to create one large indoor/outdoor space, exposing the residences to the cityscape.
Shigeru Ban's new development in New York is located in the West Chelsea area. Chelsea is well known for its artistry and eclectic shopping. There are many opportunities for dining, shopping, culture and entertainment, as well as public transportation.
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