Penthouse apartment
A penthouse apartment or penthouse is an apartment or condominium which is a single dwelling that is on one of the highest floors of an apartment building or condominium. Penthouses are typically differentiated from other apartments by luxury features.
History
The idea of creating a penthouse apartment was born in the 1920s, the decade called “The Roaring Twenties.” In this century, the North American economy, particularly the economy of the United States of America, was having a rapid growth. This contributed to a boom in construction. One of the earliest penthouse apartments appeared in New York City, the heart of North American economy.
American economy in 1920s
The 1920s was the era of great economic growth and widespread prosperity driven by government growth policies, a boom in construction and the rapid growth of consumer goods such as automobiles. Standing as the richest country in the world in the 1920s, The United States’ urbanization reached a climax where more Americans and Canadians lived in cities of 2,500 or more people than in small towns or rural areas. The high demand for living in urban areas and the wealth of Americans led to the idea of creating a luxury apartment on the top floor or floors of a building.
Early penthouse apartment
Publisher Conde Nast’s duplex penthouse at 1040 Park Avenue was one of the earliest penthouse apartments in New York City. The idea of this penthouse was created according to changes in building’s construction plan. In 1923, the original plan for the building was to have three units on each floor with additional maids’ rooms on the roof. However, in 1924 the building’s upper spaces were constructed to provide a grand duplex for Nast. Connected by a stair case to the rooftop entertaining salons, the corner unit at the top floor was redesigned to be private family quarters. The whole unit was decorated in the French manner by Elsie de Wolfe. Completed in 1925, Conde Nast’s duplex penthouse was used for many lavish parties which were made famous as much by guest lists as by the entertainment.[1]
Architectural definition
In architecture, the term penthouse is used to refer to a structure on the roof of a building that is set back from the outer walls. These structures do not occupy the entire roof deck. High-rise buildings will often have penthouse structures enclosing mechanics such as those in an elevator machine room.
While European designers and architects long recognized the potential in creating living spaces that make use of rooftops and such setbacks, in US cities, exploitation of these spaces began in earnest in the 1920s. It was a matter of news when the development of a rooftop apartment at the Plaza Hotel overlooking Central Park was announced in 1923, and this was followed by rapid development of luxury penthouse apartments in the following years.[2]
When used as private outdoor terrace spaces, setbacks can allow for significantly larger and more protected spaces than cantilevered balconies. Due to the desirability of this outdoor space, buildings may be designed with such setbacks on more than one of its uppermost levels, to allow apartments/condominiums on several levels to feature such terraces. Not all penthouses have such terraces, but they are a desired feature. One such space may be divided among several apartments/condominiums, or one apartment/condominium may occupy an entire floor. A penthouse apartment/condominium may also provide occupants with private access to the roof space above the apartment/condominium, instead of or in addition to terrace space created by an adjacent setback.
A penthouse apartment/condominium may have additional exclusive features not found in the majority of apartments/condominiums in the building, such as a private entrance or elevator, or higher/vaulted ceilings. In buildings consisting primarily of single level apartments, a penthouse apartment/condominium may be distinguished by having two or more levels. They may also have such features as a terrace, fireplace, more square footage, over-sized windows, multiple owner suites, den/office space, jacuzzi, and more. They might be equipped with luxury kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances, granite counter-tops, breakfast bar/island and more.
Advantages
Penthouse apartment’s advantages are the combination of those in a house and regular apartment. Penthouse apartment does not only have advantages of a regular apartment such as good security and convenient location but also all those of a house such as large in size and adequate in design. Penthouse also differentiates itself from other real estate properties by its unique features such as high-end appliances, finest fitting, costly flooring system, and so forth.
Regular apartment’ advantages
Similar to apartments, penthouses are mostly located in the heart of busy cities. In spite of being located at such locations, they offer the feeling of places situated far away from the busy and crowded life of cities and hence popularly demanded by higher class society. Such locations also provide easy access to hotels, restaurants, malls, schools, etc which save penthouse residences’ important time.
Living in a penthouse is as secure as living in an apartment. The building provides 24/7 security services such as patrol and secure gated garage.
House' advantages
Overcoming the issue of small space in regular apartments, houses and penthouses are large and comfortable in size. Having two or more levels, penthouse has a size that equals to multiple floors of a building.
Similar to houses, penthouses have both indoor and outdoor specialized functions. These may include a living/eating area, a sleeping area, a washing and lavatory areas, an outdoor area such as a garden, terrace or patio.
Unique advantages
Penthouse’s residence is exposed to the gorgeous view of the city. Being on the top floor, penthouses provide the superb sky-views. The cool panoramic view of skyline offers amazing sites, which provide residence relief and quiet.
Access to a penthouse apartment is usually provided by a separate elevator. Residents can also access a number of building services, such as pickup and delivery of everything from dry cleaning to dinner; reservations to restaurants and events made by building staffers; and other concierge services.
Penthouses are luxuriously appointed, with meticulous interior design and the finest fittings, from high-end appliances to unique and costly flooring.
The ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui plays a key in some penthouse designs. It is believed to improve the flow of interior and exterior spaces of buildings and landscapes. Penthouse’s residences use Feng Shui as a guide to build or renovate a home that represents their spirit and love.[3]
Cultural references
Penthouse apartments/condominiums are considered to be at the top of their markets, and are generally the most expensive, with expansive views, large living spaces, and top-of-the line amenities.[4]. Accordingly they are often associated with a luxury lifestyle in popular culture. In the theme song to "Green Acres", wealthy, sophisticated Manhattanite Lisa Douglas (Eva Gabor) sings, "I just adore a penthouse view...". Publisher Bob Guccione named his magazine Penthouse, with the trademark phrase "Life on top".[5]
Those wishing to market or otherwise inflate the prestige of a particular apartment/condominium may use the term. The term penthouse is sometimes applied to apartments/condominiums that are no different than others in a building, other than being on one of the uppermost floors. The terms sub-penthouse or lower penthouse are used to describe apartments/condominiums below the top of a building, when the term penthouse or upper penthouse is reserved for the uppermost floor.
See also
References
- ^ 2. Alpern, Andrew. Luxury apartment houses of Manhattan: An Illustrated History. Dover Pubns, 1992.Print.
- ^ Kneen, Orville "Manhattan's $300,000 Rooftop Apartments" Modern Mechanics and Inventions November 1929
- ^ Karan, Hope. Healing design: practical feng shui for healthy and gracious living. Journey Editions, 1999. Print.
- ^ Kim, Lauren Baier "Through the roof: Luxury -Penthouse condos" Wall Street Journal Real Estate (November 9, 2005)
- ^ "Life on Top" USPTO #77653907
