reference

Gotham Residence “The Smile” – East Harlem, New York

With the Gotham Residence – also known as “The Smile” – East Harlem has gained a residential building that gives its neighborhood a new architectural identity. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, the building is characterized by its sweeping, “smiling” façade. Around 230 apartments, including subsidized housing, combine modern living with social diversity. A project that unites design, function, and urban variety.

Architectural sophistication in the heart of Harlem

Gotham Residence “The Smile” – East Harlem, New York

The Gotham Residence, widely known as “The Smile”, is a residential project that enriches East Harlem with architectural sophistication. The design by Bjarke Ingels Group features a distinctive shape: the façade elegantly curves back, as if the building were drawing a smile into the streetscape. This architectural wink has given the building its popular nickname.

The building comprises around 233 residential units across eleven floors, integrating both luxury apartments and subsidized housing. This combines design quality with social responsibility – an important aspect in a district undergoing significant change.

In addition to the apartments, the project offers contemporary amenities such as rooftop terraces, fitness areas, and communal zones. Particularly noteworthy is the urban integration: parts of the building cantilever over the existing retail complex on 125th Street, creating an exciting interplay between old and new. “The Smile” demonstrates how bold design and functional residential architecture can go hand in hand. It is not only a striking residential building, but also a symbol of the creative dynamism that makes Harlem one of New York’s most exciting neighborhoods.

Everything from a single source

Our products in use

As a specialist for all types of façade openings, Gretsch-Unitas Baubeschläge combines project-specific special components—developed as innovative engineering solutions according to individual customer requirements—with elements from the proven standard range. The Gotham Residence “The Smile” in East Harlem impresses with its inward-sloping façade, which stands out prominently in the cityscape. For the window solutions, Gretsch-Unitas tilt-drop fittings were used. Gas springs support comfortable opening and closing, ensuring easy and safe operation.

The tilt-drop function offers functional and aesthetic advantages for many construction projects: the window sash lowers slightly outward when opened and remains stable in any position—ideal for a homogeneous exterior appearance in all-glass façades (structural glazing).