What is claimed to be the tallest modular tower and the only modular residential high-rise in the world opened last week in Brooklyn, New York. The 32-story, 359-ft (109-m) tall building at 461 Dean Street is made up of 930 modules, each of which were constructed off-site at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
The foundations and lower levels of 461 Dean were constructed conventionally. However, everything above its second floor is made up of modules that were delivered to the site complete with kitchens and appliances. Only wooden flooring was added in situ.
This approach is said to be efficient, cost-effective and sustainable, with both waste and the amount of time required for on-site construction are minimized. It does, however, mean that the shape, size and features of the modules are dictated by what can be fabricated and transported to the site.
At 461 Dean, this is said to be reflected in generously-sized and well-proportioned apartments, with wall-hung vanity units, closets and toilets. Among the other features are Caesarstone countertops, stone backsplashes and stainless steel appliances. Oversized frameless windows, meanwhile, provide views of Brooklyn and Manhattan.
The building was designed by SHoP Architects, which also designed the adjacent Barclays Center. It houses 149 studios, 166 one-bedroom apartments and 48 two-bedroom apartments. Residents benefit from a 24-hour doorman, a fitness center, a yoga and dance studio, a sky-lounge and rooftop terrace, a games room and a children's playroom. There are also good public transport links, as well as nearby cultural and nightlife destinations.
Aside from its apartments, the building has 4,000 sq ft (372 sq m) of retail space on the ground floor and a multi-colored metal façade. In addition, project developer Forest City Ratner Companies says it expects the building to achieve LEED Silver certification, which would recognize the building as having been planned, constructed, maintained and operated in an environmentally-friendly manner.
461 Dean is the first residential building to open at the new 22-ac (9-ha) mixed-use Pacific Park Brooklyn development. It is part of 6 million sq ft (560,000 sq m) of residential space and 6,430 housing units that will be situated on the site when complete.
Studios at 461 Dean can be rented starting at US$2,450 per month, one-bedroom apartments at $3,125 and two-bedroom apartments at $4,750.
Source: 461 Dean
