Dutch courage: bold new tower design from Euro architect.

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Comparisons have been made to a burka. Or a group of black ribbons wound loosely around a glass box.

The design for Five Franklin Place in Tribeca, Dutch architect Ben van Berkel's first major U.S. project, was recently revealed. The vision for the 55-unit residential building features black metal bands that circle the structure, changing widths and even turning as they go. Not only were these strips painstakingly placed to maximize both privacy and light, they also curve to form balconies and terraces, said David Kislin of Sleepy Hudson, the project's developer.

"At the end of the day, we tried to get a really beautiful product that will stand and try to provoke some emotion in the buyer," Kislin said of Five Franklin Place.

Construction has begun and the building will be completed in about 18 months. Units will range in price from about $2 million to $16 million.

Kislin said he and fellow principal Leo Tsimmer, who are also behind High Line 519, were most impressed with van Berkel when seeking out architects for their latest endeavor.

"What I found intriguing was his methodology--how the building reacts with the community, how the people in the building react to it," Kislin said. "Very intellectually advanced."

Kislin said the site--two beat-up buildings that have been demolished--was purchased in 2006 for nearly $37 million. The project on Franklin Place, which boasts cobblestone paving, is being developed in the $500s p/s/f range, Kislin said. Sleepy Hudson is its own general contractor, operating as Leeds United Construction.

"If this was a 300 to 400 unit building, we wouldn't be going as edgy," Kislin said. "We have 55 apartments and it's (for) the type of client who understands they're getting something unique ... something they probably couldn't do themselves."

The building will consist of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units, plus. three duplex penthouses with personal elevators and terraces--not to mention panoramic views. Square footage for the units runs from about 1,200 s/f to 3,400 s/f.

Luxury is promised: a 24-hour doorman, valet parking, as well as a weight room with spa and sauna that includes towel and water service. The building's kitchens, bathrooms and cabinetry will be outfitted with the high-end B&B Italia brand.

"It's for, of course, people who can pay for it," van Berkel said of Five Franklin Place with a laugh. "On the other hand I expect a lot of interest from people who have not only a fascination for the building itself but also the location. Don't forget, you have schools in the area, so many wonderful services in the area."

van Berkel, of UN Studio, said Five Franklin Place was designed with "several influences" and gives a nod to Tribeca's cast-iron architecture. The architect said the bands work in conjunction with the interiors. And rising above its neighbors, Five Franklin Place's residents will have much to look at.

"You do get incredible views over there," he said through his accent. "You can really look over the city."

Handling sales and marketing is the Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group. Potential buyers have called from all over the world, said Daniel Cordeiro, senior managing director. Most of those interested are creative folks who are wealthy, appreciate architecture and may be considered "mavericks."

"The building's design is absolutely very interesting," Cordeiro said. "It does a number of things, including relating ... to the east-iron architecture in that part of Tribeca."

The structure offers more than aesthetics.

"Tribeca is a really unique location because there are not many full-service condos," Cordeiro said. "You're looking at an older community."

Cordeiro noted more than half of the units have private outdoor space. Some units have double-height, 20-foot ceilings.

"Franklin Place is a cobblestone, private street," he said. "It's historic, romantic, quaint. It's kind of a distinctive place to be."

At the risk of sounding trite, Kislin said, Five Franklin Place will be a "holiday home."

"We wanted to make someone feel that they've arrived at their home and they can really just shut down and take a holiday in a sense," he said.