Designing for the Senses at Abington House with Clodagh
When Clodagh set out to design the interiors of Abington House, a luxury residential building by Related Companies in Manhattan, her vision was clear: create a sanctuary in the city where sustainability, wellness, and design sophistication intersect.
Trueform Concrete played a vital role in bringing that vision to life across multiple touchpoints in the building’s public spaces: custom-colored floor tiles and concrete wall panels in the lobby, along with a striking kitchen island, fully bespoke dining table, and banquette designed for shared use.
Concrete as a Life-Enhancing Medium
For Clodagh, concrete is more than a building material, it’s a sensory experience. “I began using concrete as a life-enhancing design medium many years ago,” she says. “It’s versatile, it’s tactile, it’s warm, warmer than stone, and it’s perfect for interiors.” At Abington House, Trueform’s contributions helped create that emotional resonance, not just aesthetic impact.
Trueform Creative Director Paul Grech echoes this sentiment, noting:
“Clodagh is the quintessential partner because she appreciates the nuances, complexities, and delicacies of this material. Concrete is never about perfection. It’s about constrained imperfection. This is a far more human and relatable realm, but it is here where function and emotion can intersect. Clodagh truly respects concrete’s ability to capture an object’s form while honoring the emotional aspects of its rationale.”
A Material That Supports Intentional Living
The project’s materials had to align with Clodagh’s deep commitment to biophilic design, bio geometry, and chromotherapy. Trueform’s concrete proved a natural fit, its tactile surface, muted tones, and malleability complemented her multi-sensory approach. “Yes, concrete actually does fit in with ancient design philosophies,” she explains. “It’s ideal for creating spaces with these sensory experiences in mind.”
Durability with a Sustainability Bonus
Beyond beauty, durability mattered. “Abington House is home to lots of children and lots of dogs,” says Clodagh. “Concrete was the ideal choice right from the beginning and the proof is still there. It’s still beautiful to behold.” That lasting performance isn’t just practical, it’s sustainable. Trueform’s concrete minimizes the need for replacement over time, reducing material waste and resource use. In spaces where longevity meets daily use, durability becomes a quiet form of environmental responsibility.
A Partnership Rooted in Aesthetic Alignment
Clodagh credits the success of the collaboration not only to Trueform’s craftsmanship, but to the design acumen of the team. “Trueform has a sophisticated design aesthetic. That, and their quick response, enabled us to keep this Related Company project flowing smoothly and finishing on time.”
Elevating Everyday Moments
Asked to reflect on what lingers most from the project, Clodagh recalls the moment residents first began to arrive. “It was such a thrill to experience their appreciation of the building and its amenities. Trueform Concrete played a huge part in this. Our ultimate goal in design is to bring joy. We did that.”