A 7,450-square-foot duplex penthouse atop The Lucida, blending dramatic architectural gestures, family-friendly design, and panoramic Manhattan views into a refined yet livable luxury residence.
Perched atop The Lucida, the Upper East Side’s first LEED-certified luxury tower, this 7,450-square-foot duplex penthouse offers sweeping skyline views framed by soaring double-height spaces. Designed for a dynamic family, the home is organized into four distinct yet interconnected zones: an elegant entertaining wing, a casual family hub, a serene master suite with home office, and a vibrant color-blocked children’s wing complete with playroom, TV lounge, and dedicated “study hall.”
At its center stands a dramatic chrome-and-glass staircase set within a luminous foyer, illuminated by a custom cascading Swarovski chandelier and anchored by a Sam Samore triptych. The result is a penthouse that feels both sculptural and deeply livable.
Thoughtful architectural gestures, reflective surfaces, and luxurious materials work together to create an environment that feels both indulgent and timeless — despite its modest footprint.
The core challenge was to design a residence that balanced grand architectural drama with the functionality required for a young, active family. The penthouse needed to serve as a luxurious setting for formal entertaining while simultaneously accommodating everyday life — from casual meals and playtime to homework and relaxation. The large, open spaces demanded careful organization, acoustic consideration, and thoughtful zoning to ensure the home felt warm, cohesive, and comfortable rather than overwhelming or overly formal.
The design solution begins at the foyer — the penthouse’s dazzling pivot point — where a floating chrome-and-glass staircase and a shimmering custom Swarovski chandelier define the home’s bold architectural character. Around this core, the residence unfolds into intelligently planned zones:
The formal living and dining wing features a glamorous palette of dark woods, chrome, tan, gold, and lavender. Custom furnishings and refined materials — cotton, leather, mohair, silk, and cashmere — enhance the atmosphere, with a striking Lindsey Adelman glass-bubble chandelier adding sculptural drama to the dining room.
The family wing, anchored by the kitchen, den, and breakfast room, shifts into a playful, casual mode with colorful mid-century furniture and eclectic accessories suited for daily life.
The children’s wing is bright, fun, and highly functional, complete with airy bedrooms, a TV lounge, and an imaginative “study hall” with individual study carrels.
The master suite and office provide a tranquil, sophisticated retreat, connected yet private.
A standout architectural detail is the transparent enclosed glass cube suspended above the double-height living room — a unique “inside-out” experience that visually links the upper-level study to the city beyond. Surrounded on two sides by exterior glazing and on two sides by the study itself, the cube creates the feeling of floating above the Manhattan skyline.
Ultimately, the residence is polished yet relaxed, balancing luxury with livability — perfectly tailored for a lively family with sophisticated tastes and an extraordinary vantage point high above the city.
The Groves & Co. team doesn’t just design spaces—they create environments that tell a story. Their expertise and collaborative approach made the process seamless, and the end result is a space that inspires everyone who walks through our doors.
Working with Groves & Co. was a transformative experience. Their team brought our vision to life with such precision and artistry, creating a home that feels both elevated and deeply personal. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, and the final result surpassed our expectations.
