These 12 free-standing condos offer ultra-modern design in the Irish Channel

In the Irish Channel, 12 new corrugated metal buildings are fitted together as snugly as Tetris blocks. Painted a stark white, they are visually harmonious with the surrounding warehouses—but at the same time, they stand out in the neighborhood’s rugged patchwork of industrial structures and shotgun homes.

These 12 new constructions comprise the latest development by architect Jonathan Tate: an assembly of detached condos called Saint Thomas and Ninth. Five of the two- and three-bedroom residences are available. They range in size from 1,456 to 1,561 square feet. The marketing materials point out that because they don’t share walls, the units offer the privacy and independence of a house with the low maintenance of a condo.

“We wanted there to be distinct units (houses) for people to own — as opposed to a unit within a larger building,” Tate said in an emailed interview.

Unlike many condos, these units do offer outdoor living. Negative space between the condos creates courtyards, decks, and porches. Landscape architecture firm Spackman Mosso Michaels did the landscape design. Each unit comes with a parking space.

“The exact dimensions of the open spaces were driven by zoning (parking area requirements), building code (setbacks between buildings), and what we thought were appropriate living spaces and porches between the units,” Tate said. “All that being said, the space between the buildings was a very important design consideration for the overall function and experience of the development.”

Inside, sealed concrete floors and custom CNC-milled stair rails continue the minimalist-meets-industrial vibe. Kitchen highlights include quartz counters and stainless-steel appliances by Bosch and Fisher & Paykel.

All the units are slightly different, but many adhere to the following configuration: On the first floor, find a living, dining, and kitchen area that opens to a porch, plus a half-bath. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms are on the second floor. A third bedroom and attic share the third floor. Insulated windows, tankless gas water heaters, and a ductless HVAC system keep things energy-efficient.

Prices range from $385,000 to $399,000, and HOA fees are $144/month. The development hosts a tour of available units from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 15, which kicks off at 3130 St. Thomas Street.

Via: Jonathan Goedecke and Margaret Crews of Engel & Volkers New Orleans