“The team was a joy to work with throughout the design process and always made us feel like a priority. They involved us throughout and as construction progressed, they ensured the contractors stayed true to the firm’s design plans and quality expectations.”
– Marc W., Homeowner
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Ayer is an award-winning condominium building on Philadelphia’s Washington Square. Built from 1927-1929 as offices for the N.W. Ayer & Sons advertising agency, the high-rise was designed by Philadelphia architect Ralph Bowden Bencker. The building’s Art Deco architecture and lobby remain signature elements of the now-residential building.
The Ayer Condominium homeowners felt their primary bath lacked the character inherent in the building’s architecture. Although the room had quality finishes, its marble tile had yellowed with age and its lighting needed an upgrade. The room felt stark and cold.
kYd introduced a warm, midcentury aesthetic to the bath, with modern, spa-like amenities and understated color. Although the room’s footprint was retained, its layout was reconfigured to include a soaking tub, open shower, and floating double walnut vanity. The bath’s tile took inspiration from midcentury Heath Ceramics and the Ayer’s limestone lobby. kYd selected crafted porcelain tile from Ann Sacks. Large 12×12 porcelain field tiles mimic limestone on the floor and walls, and custom mosaics of textured tiles along the shower/tub wall and behind the vanity introduce gradated shades of blue that subtly evoke water and bring muted color into the space.
Photos © Jeffrey Totaro
The Ayer Condominium Bath
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Ayer is an award-winning condominium building on Philadelphia’s Washington Square. Built from 1927-1929 as offices for the N.W. Ayer & Sons advertising agency, the high-rise was designed by Philadelphia architect Ralph Bowden Bencker. The building’s Art Deco architecture and lobby remain signature elements of the now-residential building.
The Ayer Condominium homeowners felt their primary bath lacked the character inherent in the building’s architecture. Although the room had quality finishes, its marble tile had yellowed with age and its lighting needed an upgrade. The room felt stark and cold.
kYd introduced a warm, midcentury aesthetic to the bath, with modern, spa-like amenities and understated color. Although the room’s footprint was retained, its layout was reconfigured to include a soaking tub, open shower, and floating double walnut vanity. The bath’s tile took inspiration from midcentury Heath Ceramics and the Ayer’s limestone lobby. kYd selected crafted porcelain tile from Ann Sacks. Large 12×12 porcelain field tiles mimic limestone on the floor and walls, and custom mosaics of textured tiles along the shower/tub wall and behind the vanity introduce gradated shades of blue that subtly evoke water and bring muted color into the space.
Photos © Jeffrey Totaro
We were very impressed by the work k YODER design did for us. Their design and materials choices far exceeded our expectations. Kevin and Omar are extremely talented, and we would definitely work with k YODER design again.
MARC W., HOMEOWNER