Architectural Cases

Standing majestically in the vibrant heart of New York, the 130 William High-Rise Residential Tower, envisioned by the esteemed Adjaye Associates, represents a groundbreaking achievement in contemporary architecture and urban dwelling. This imposing structure, completed in 2021 and spanning an impressive 41,480 square meters, seamlessly integrates luxurious residential units with an innovative design ethos, crafting a tranquil and sophisticated haven for its inhabitants.

A New Era of Urban Living: The 130 William Tower Unveiled

At the bustling nexus of New York, the 130 William High-Rise Residential Tower emerges as a beacon of modern architectural brilliance, brought to life through the collaborative genius of Adjaye Associates and Lightstone. This monumental project, completed in the vibrant year of 2021, redefines upscale urban living across its expansive 41,480 square meters. Its distinctive façade, characterized by a textured, hand-cast concrete, pays homage to the historic masonry of the city's urban fabric while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of contemporary design. Each residence within this towering edifice is a sanctuary of calm, meticulously crafted with an emphasis on spaciousness, natural light, and bespoke finishes, including custom-designed fixtures by Adjaye Associates that extend into the exquisite private loggias. The tower also boasts an impressive array of amenities, including a health and wellness club, an IMAX private theater, a rooftop observatory, and a private spa, ensuring an unparalleled lifestyle for its discerning residents. The vision behind 130 William, as articulated by Scott Avram, Senior Vice President of Development at Lightstone, was to establish a new benchmark for residential living, a goal unequivocally achieved by offering homes that are both a tranquil retreat and a statement of sophisticated taste. This collaborative endeavor has not only reshaped a segment of New York's skyline but has also garnered enthusiastic acclaim from those who now call it home, signifying its success as a harmonious fusion of innovative design and luxurious functionality.

The 130 William Tower serves as a profound reminder of how thoughtful design and strategic partnerships can elevate the urban living experience. It challenges the conventional notions of residential architecture, pushing practitioners to consider not just the aesthetic appeal but also the emotional and practical well-being of the inhabitants. This project underscores the importance of integrating a building with its historical context while fearlessly embracing innovation to create spaces that are both timeless and forward-looking. For architects, developers, and city planners alike, 130 William stands as an inspiring case study in achieving architectural excellence and delivering on the promise of a superior quality of life within dense urban environments. It teaches us that true luxury extends beyond opulent finishes to encompass a holistic living experience, marked by peace, comfort, and a deep connection to one's surroundings.

The Estels House project, orchestrated by ENDALT Arquitectes, is a profound endeavor that breathes new life into a traditional Valencian dwelling. This architectural restoration in Albal, Spain, completed in 2025, extends over 152 square meters and embodies a respectful dialogue between historical typology and contemporary design. The project meticulously preserves the essence of regional building traditions, leveraging local, natural materials and time-honored construction methods. It stands as a testament to sustainable practices and cultural continuity, creating a living space that is both functional and deeply rooted in its environment. The result is a home that celebrates the legacy of Valencian village houses while offering a modern, adaptable environment for its inhabitants.

The Reimagined Traditional Valencian Home

The Estels House, a project by ENDALT Arquitectes, represents a thoughtful restoration in Albal, Spain, completed in 2025. Spanning 152 square meters, this house is a testament to blending traditional Valencian architectural typologies with contemporary needs. The design process meticulously respected the historical layout, which typically includes an entrance for carts, a main hall, a cool room, kitchen, and attic. This structure was historically optimized for daily life, work, and community interaction, reflecting a deep understanding of local climate and lifestyle. The architects employed indigenous materials such as rammed earth, lime, clay, and reed, continuing a legacy of construction knowledge passed down through generations. This material choice not only ensures the building's authenticity but also promotes environmental sustainability and durability.

The restoration of Estels House by ENDALT Arquitectes, completed in Albal, Spain, in 2025, exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architectural heritage. Covering an area of 152 m², the project focused on reviving a traditional Valencian house while infusing it with modern functionalities. Historically, these homes were designed with a practical layout: an entry point for farm carts, a central living area, a cool storage room, a kitchen, and an upper attic. This layout was intrinsically linked to the way people lived and worked, emphasizing functionality and adaptability to the surrounding environment. ENDALT Arquitectes carefully selected and utilized local materials like rammed earth, lime, clay, and reed, which are characteristic of the region and embody generations of accumulated building wisdom. This commitment to traditional materials and methods ensures that the renovated house maintains its cultural integrity while benefiting from contemporary design interventions, creating a harmonious and sustainable living space.

Harmonizing Heritage with Modern Living

The core philosophy behind Estels House by ENDALT Arquitectes was to create a harmonious blend between historical architectural forms and the demands of modern living. The project, completed in 2025 and situated in Albal, Spain, on a 152 m² footprint, demonstrates how reverence for the past can inform and enrich contemporary design. By preserving the characteristic elements of Valencian village houses—such as their functional layouts and adaptive use of space—the architects ensured that the house retained its soul. Yet, this was not a mere replication. The design introduces subtle modernizations that enhance comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal without compromising the building's historical integrity. This dual approach results in a dwelling that is both a historical artifact and a cutting-edge home, providing a tranquil and inspired living environment.

The Estels House, a significant restoration by ENDALT Arquitectes in Albal, Spain, completed in 2025, beautifully illustrates the integration of architectural heritage with contemporary living. Spanning 152 m², the project's central aim was to honor the distinct architectural language of traditional Valencian houses while adapting them for twenty-first-century life. This involved not just the physical reconstruction but a conceptual reimagining of space to suit modern lifestyles. The original houses were celebrated for their repetitive yet highly functional typology, a design born from generations of local knowledge and a deep connection to the environment. The architects carefully balanced the preservation of these cherished features with the incorporation of modern amenities and design principles. This careful fusion allows the Estels House to offer a living experience that is both rich in historical context and perfectly suited to contemporary comfort and aesthetics. It serves as a model for how restoration can respectfully evolve, providing durable, contextually appropriate, and inspiring homes.