Blog | The Penthouses at The XI in New York City

When designing a landmark destined to reshape a world-famous skyline, architecture must do more than simply occupy space. It has to twist the very perception of perspective. For The XI (The Eleventh)—the striking, torqueing twin-tower masterpiece rising above Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood and the High Line, designed by the visionary Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)—the core challenge was to gracefully balance dynamic structural movement with absolute geometric clarity. We are proud that our Vitrocsa minimalist glass systems were chosen to bring the crown jewels of this development—its premier crown penthouses—to life.

Perched high above the Hudson River, the upper residential volumes span across a series of soaring levels, including Levels 32W through 35W, and ascending to the majestic Levels 36W and 37W Roof templates. At this altitude, the architecture transitions into a series of expansive, open-air viewpoints, where luxury living spaces are mapped perfectly to frame panoramic views of the city below.

Architectural Fluidity: The Vitrocsa Invisible Wall Systems
To truly capture the cinematic quality of the Manhattan skyline and the shifting light over the Hudson River, these elite penthouses required an envelope that could completely erase the boundary between inside and out. Traditional, heavy window profiles would break the continuity of BIG's fluid, kinetic facade. By introducing Vitrocsa's advanced sliding wall systems, featuring an uncompromised 3/4" (18mm) vertical sightline, these sky-high residences achieve total visual transparency while remaining completely anchored within high-performance structural boundaries.

The design leverages a highly calculated, tiered layout across the penthouse levels to seamlessly merge interior footprints with the open sky:

- Panoramic Glass Wraps (Levels 32W–35W): The main living quarters and sweeping master suites are wrapped in floor-to-ceiling Vitrocsa sliding glass systems. To accommodate the massive structural spans and match the twisting momentum of the architecture, these layouts feature unprecedented configurations, expanding into a magnificent sliding arrangement of up to 20 panels in select areas. Integrating advanced automation, these monumental glass walls are fully-motorized to glide back effortlessly at the click of a button, instantly transforming grand multi-level layouts into completely open-air observation pavilions.
- The Roof Oasis Transition (Levels 36W–37W): Approaching the apex of the tower, the glass transitions smoothly to meet the open elements of the rooftop terraces and specialized roof railing geometries. When fully retracted, the flush, recessed tracks allow the penthouse's interior flooring to extend completely into the exterior roof terraces, creating an unbroken plane of sight and shelter.

High-Performance Engineering for High-Altitude Environments
Beyond its weightless aesthetic, a twisting high-rise structure facing direct Hudson River wind loads and intense high-altitude drafts requires extraordinary technical execution. Operating a continuous multi-panel track system—especially where a fully-motorized array of up to 20 massive glass panels intersect—demands absolute structural perfection and flawless micro-engineering to resist deflection.

The Vitrocsa systems implemented throughout the penthouses at The XI are precision-engineered by Goldbrecht to deliver superior thermal performance, acoustic isolation from the urban energy below, and robust resistance to extreme weather forces. Recessed directly into the floor and ceiling plates, the structural tracks and automated drive components are completely hidden from sight, ensuring that the glass effectively disappears while delivering effortless, whisper-quiet functionality day after day.

This project stands as a definitive example of Goldbrecht's commitment to pushing the limits of modern fenestration. By collaborating with world-leading architectural firms like Bjarke Ingels Group, we continue to dissolve the boundaries of structural design, producing iconic homes that gracefully float above the world's greatest cities.

To discover how Vitrocsa by Goldbrecht can elevate the architectural integrity and spatial storytelling of your next landmark commission, contact our technical team today.

Photos by Evan Joseph

See the Architectural Digest feature here.
See the project on Dezeen here.
See the project on ArchDaily here.