The Impala
The Impala, officially 404 East 76th Street, is a luxury NYC condo on the Upper East Side. It was constructed in 2000, has over 190 units, stands at 31 stories, and houses three passenger elevators. The Impala was designed by acclaimed architect Michael Graves, known for his prominence in postmodern architecture. In 2020 and in conjunction with Century Elevator, the building's elevator contractor, we manufactured and installed all three elevator interiors.
“The result is a harmonious design that makes this elevator interior engaging and memorable.”
Engineered in the raised-removable style with upper and lower sections, the elevator comprises a total of twelve wall panels. Modernly designed, the interiors feature materials such as LED lighting, architectural glass, veneers, and metals. Looking above, we see a stainless steel ceiling illuminated by LED strip lighting provided by Man-D-Tec. The lighting creates a soft halo effect that gently radiates off the sides. The upper-wall panels are divided into five panels, two on each side wall and a full-length panel on the back wall. In addition, there are furnished with blue, lightly textured architectural glass from Carvart.
The lower wall also contains five panels, two on the side walls and three on the back wall. In contrast to the upper walls, the lower panels are constructed in a gorgeous "White Oak Groove" wood veneer by TreeFrog Veneer. Separating the two wall sections is a stainless steel chair rail and handrail. They are illuminated at the top and bottom using OPK-4 extrusion lights by Kluś, which are hidden in a cove that is designed into the lower panels. In addition, the base and floor are composed of Tao Grey Dark by Exquisite Surfaces and are also illuminated using the same Klus extrusion light. Finally, The fronts, binders, reveals, transom, and doors are all furnished in stainless steel.
The strikingness of this elevator design is undoubtedly owed to light design, which is the centerpiece of the elevator interior. It sets the ambiance of the cab, adding contrast and highlights in its playful reflections. The result is a harmonious design that makes this elevator interior engaging and memorable.
