Popular ‘Queer Eye’ designer shows New Yorkers that in today’s world of luxury living, green is the new black
RISMEDIA, May 20, 2008-Proving environmentally responsible living and luxury need not be mutually exclusive, Sheldrake residential developer, J. Christopher Daly, and renowned interior designer, Thom Filicia, recently announced the launch of Manhattan’s first “top-to-bottom” green residence. Located inside Riverhouse, the LEED Gold condominium development overlooking Battery Park City’s waterfront promenade, this model apartment shows New Yorkers they don’t have to sacrifice personal design tastes in order to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
“It’s possible for New Yorkers to appreciate their own personal design flare while still utilizing environmentally responsible and energy efficient materials,” explains J. Christopher Daly, President of the Sheldrake Organization. “By creating this eco-friendly apartment, Thom Filicia is helping us to pioneer a new urban lifestyle that’s synonymous with luxury, style, and environmental health – this is the future of New York City living.”
From the apartment’s green home décor to its walk-in-closets, every last sustainable square inch is infused with Thom Filicia’s sophisticated and livable design philosophy. It reflects his and J. Christopher Daly’s shared belief that the term “luxury” doesn’t just mean “living the good life”…it now means “living the good life” while minimizing your carbon footprint.
The residence’s array of luxury green home furnishings has all been hand selected by Thom Filicia. “What’s great about this residence is that it features every shade of ‘green’,” he explains. “For those who adore antiques, we found incredible lighting fixtures made of recycled plumbing hardware and repurposed titanium jet engine parts.
For those who enjoy a more contemporary sensibility, we created a beautiful mahogany bed frame, using certifiably harvested wood, non-toxic glue, and water based lacquer; and for those who appreciate classic, traditional interiors, we incorporated wall coverings and flooring that are at once timeless and biodegradable.”
Additional Apartment Features Include:
– Dining room table with a paperstone tabletop and a FSC certified wood base wrapped in recycled zinc panels
– Bedroom mattresses made of 100% bamboo
– Sectional sofa made of FSC certified birch plywood frame with organic latex foam
– Wallpapers made from 100% Natural Sisal Grass and Wood Pulp paper with paper backing
– Bedroom dresser made from salvaged picture frames
– Bench made from FSC certified wood, natural latex foam cushion, recycled nail heads, low VOC paint finish
Meaningful amenities include oversized saltwater fish tanks in the double-height lobbies, children’s lighthouse, billiard room, gym and yoga room, and Hockney-inspired glass-tiled, 50′ swimming pool. Poets House, the New York Public Library and City Bakery will also call Riverhouse home. The charming Michael Van Valkenburgh designed Teardrop Park runs between the east and west wings of Riverhouse, creating a luscious “backyard” for residents.
For more information please visit www.the-riverhouse.com.
About J. Christopher Daly: J. Christopher Daly is the Principle of The Sheldrake Organization, one of the fastest growing real estate developers in New York, and with Riverhouse One Rockefeller Park, Sheldrake has set a new standard for Manhattan luxury living.
About Thom Filicia, Inc.: Best known for his roles on both Bravo’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and The Style Network’s “Dress My Nest,” along with his well known projects ranging from high-profile celebrity homes to W Hotel, Thom Filicia has established himself as a prolific award-winning designer and respected TV personality. In addition to designing Riverhouse One Rockefeller Park’s “green” model apartment, Thom is currently working on his first book due out in October of 2008 (Atria Books).
