Waterworks Flatiron Showroom
Housed in an early 1900s historic building since 2006, the Waterworks showroom in the Flatiron district of New York comprised a main level and lower level. When the opportunity to lease the second floor arose, leadership welcomed it.
Peter Sallick, Waterworks CEO and creative director, said, “Flatiron has been a special part of the Waterworks story since 2006. With this significant expansion, we’ve created a space that honors the character of the neighborhood while showcasing our comprehensive offering in a way that inspires and supports the artistry of our clients.”
To link the floors, a new stair was constructed within the existing showroom. The minimal, floating staircase required significant engineering and steel reinforcement.
The brand commissioned a two-story mural from artist Christoph Niemann to animate the stairwell, and gave him complete creative license to propose three concepts. The chosen design was inspired by NYC in the rain and the association of water to the business, and the Waterworks team loved it. They took Niemann’s PDF rendering and recreated it in AutoCAD to get a 6×6 tile layout with all shapes cut by hand. The entire mural was plotted at full scale to assist the installers with shapes and color placement.
“We envisioned the mural as a moment of artful surprise and a celebration of New York,” said Sallick. “Christoph Niemann became an irresistible choice. His deep connection to New York through his history of ‘New Yorker’ covers, personal passion for tile and unmistakably whimsical style made him the perfect fit. The result is a captivating visual experience that I know will resonate with our clients.”
Crafted entirely from Waterworks tile, Niemann’s design, “Rainy Day in NYC”, celebrates Manhattan’s unique ability to exude beauty and romance in any weather. At the base of the installation trots a tiny dog – recognizable to those in the know as Peaches, Sallick’s beloved dachshund.
Now spanning three floors with an area of 7,800 square feet, the showroom is organized by lines of business. Bath fittings and accessories are on the main floor, with kitchen fittings, cabinetry, tile and stone on the second level. Washstands, sinks and tubs are also upstairs, with additional styles in the cellar.
Sources
Design: Waterworks Photography: Hayley Ellen Day Cabinets, Fittings, Furnishings, Hardware, Lighting, Sinks, Tile, Tubs: Waterworks
