Ask Argentinian American designer Sebastian Zuchowicki to describe his style, and he will instead describe an equation. The designer, who trained under Studio Mellone and Studio Sofield before launching his eponymous firm two years ago, exemplifies this formula beautifully in his latest project, a Shigeru Ban–designed modern penthouse.

The nearly 4,000-square-foot home delightfully perches atop another structure as if it emerged from below the roof’s surface a century and a half after the existing building was constructed. For Zuchowicki and his team, the challenge was to turn a white, modern space into a home and warm it up through scale and texture, while honoring the vision laid out by the famous Japanese architect.

The clients, who keep a primary residence elsewhere, wanted their Manhattan home to honor their Japanese American heritage, so Zuchowicki took them to Chelsea’s Dobrinka Salzman gallery to gather inspiration from their roster of Japanese American designers.

In addition to the lantern, many of the pieces in the home are custom designs by Zuchowicki’s studio, including the American walnut dining table above, sectional sofa in the living room, and the smart smoking table in the bedroom.“Our rule is five degrees of separation. We want to make it our own, to find the flavor that the vintage piece offers and bring it out, and to give it a twist.”

And just as every crown needs a jewel, every room needs a focal point. But in lieu of a bar or a TV to anchor the space, Zuchowicki and his team dreamt up a (nonworking) fireplace—an architectural statement more than a decorative one—featuring plaster and silver tiled travertine from Cle to give texture and play off the geometric lines in the marble that runs along the outdoor living area. On either side of the fireplace, two clever pocket doors discreetly open to reveal a more laid-back living space.