Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld has completed his first US project ? an upscale residential building in Manhattan's West Chelsea neighbourhood that features verdant courtyards and "a paparazzi-proof porte-cochère".

Named after the Portuguese word for garden, the Jardim development occupies a block-through parcel between 27th and 28th streets, and is just steps away from the High Line park.
The luxury housing project was designed by Isay Weinfeld, a leading contemporary architect in Brazil who started his practice in 1973. While Weinfeld has an extensive portfolio of residential and commercial projects in his native country, Jardim marks his first completed building in the United States.

Encompassing 150,000 square feet (13,935 square metres), the complex consists of two, 11-storey towers that are arranged around a multi-level garden. Facades are composed of concrete, brick and a patchwork of glass. One of the building's distinctive elements is a street-level tunnel that runs along the east side of the property, providing access from both 27th and 28th streets. The private tunnel ? which acts as the "paparazzi-proof porte-cochère" ?connects to the building's lobby.

As residents approach the lobby, a latticed wall offers a glimpse of a lush, interior garden.
"Weinfeld has carefully choreographed movement and circulation throughout Jardim, creating a sense of mystery and drama along the way," the team said.

A granite spiral staircase i...