2010 BEST IN SHOW!

J & M Lifestyles
Upper Manhattan Master Bath

Project Location: New York City, NY
Weight: Vanity = 200 lbs; Tub surround =115 lbs;
Cast leg = 260 lbs
Concrete Mix: CHENG GFRC custom color
Other Materials: Stainless steel drain covers


CONCRETE MASTER
Taking concrete to a new level, this New York City master bathroom combines interlocking vanity, tub surround, and shower elements and seamlessly integrates them with a bath of glass and tile to create a peaceful urban oasis. No material but concrete could produce the complex intricacies of this design in such a cost-effective way while allowing such diversity in finish.

Project Objective and Client Feedback
Designed and fabricated by J&M Lifestyles, a decorative concrete studio in Randoph, NJ, Jeff Kudrick, product manager, explained that the clients had a concept of “clean and sleek and simple” for their master bath and asked for as much vanity space as possible next to the glass shower. Upon project completion, Kudrick said, “They [the clients] loved it! It was everything that they wanted in their bathroom.”

Design and Expertise
J & M Lifestyles was given the freedom to design the bath within the clients’ overall aesthetics. The biggest challenge during the design process was aesthetically and functionally bringing together two very different materials, glass and concrete, where the vanity meets the shower. To beautifully integrate the materials while fulfilling the request for maximum vanity area, Kudrick decided to bring the vanity into the shower, effectively cutting through the shower wall with the vanity extension. This led to the idea of casting a monolithic concrete leg—half in and half out of the shower—that became both vanity support and shower seat. To further carry the design throughout the bath, the tub surround carries into the shower and cast vertical shower niches finish out interesting spaces created by breaking the conventional planes of the shower.
To save the client some cost, Kudrick decided against a custom shower pan and instead cast a single piece curb that would give the illusion of a full shower base and tie together the two sections of the bathroom, tile and concrete. Completed in only 3 ½ weeks, J&M Lifestyles pre-cast the project without templates before the bathroom was built; they pulled two “control” points--one horizontal level line for the floor and a vertical line in space, a control point from which all pieces were assembled. Because of this measurement method used, general construction for the master bath was uninterrupted and the client’s challenging schedule was met.
BEST OF SHOW: J & M Lifestyles
CHENG Concrete’s 6th Annual Members’ Circle of Distinction Design Challenge

Recognized in the industry as the pinnacle of exceptional design and craftsmanship, the 2010 CHENG Concrete Circle of Distinction Design Challenge showcases talent and technical skill of the very best in creative concrete. With over 100 entries, each were judged and then awarded in 11 categories on elements and principles of design, design planning, innovative concept/creativity, use of color, presentation, innovative forming techniques, problem solving, and creatively meeting the demands of the client.

J & M Lifestyles’ Upper Manhattan Master Bath was awarded the Best of Show for this year’s design challenge. According to Fu-Tung Cheng, head juror, “This project shows the complete fusion of concrete with incredible craftsmanship and the sophisticated use of many pieces that wrap together in three dimensions. The concrete fits well into the environment as a whole without being monolithic. The look is timeless.”

ABOUT J & M LIFESTYLES
Building on nearly twenty years of experience, J & M Lifestyles, LLC continues to push the limits of concrete as an artistic medium. Experts in a variety of materials including metal, glass, wood, light and water, J & M Lifestyles leads the way in the decorative concrete industry, creatively integrating proprietary techniques and fine craftsmanship to produce beautiful and functional results.

J & M Lifestyles collaborates with each client, including them in the creative process with detailed descriptions and conceptual images. Whether it’s furniture, countertops or other surfaces, each project receives the personal and professional touch of the firm’s vast knowledge and experience in concrete and other fabrication materials.

Contact:
J & M Lifestyles , Michelle Radley
215 Route 10, Bldg 3, Unit 3, Randolph, NJ 07869
973.668.5057 www.jmlifestyles.com