Brooklyn, NY
Located in a 19th century grand mansion in the historic neighborhood of Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, the residence occupies two floors at the top of the building and within the roofline. The project involved a gut renovation that included major structural interventions to remove internal walls previously used to separate traditional living spaces.
The lower floor is now a single, open plan living area surrounded by discreetly incorporated service functions and storage elements. White oak wood floors and exposed blackened ceiling joists counter one another to highlight the perimeter wall surfaces which contain both original historical casement details and distinctly modern cabinetry elements. A single monolithic black soapstone counter with integral sink is the sole architectural element set within this boundary framework.
On the upper floor, the two bedrooms and bathroom are reached via a staircase that has been rebuilt using the same white oak wood in a seamless continuation of the lower level. In the bedrooms, the roofline geometry is embraced as the primary architectural element in otherwise minimal open rooms with built-in closets. The bathroom materials are handcrafted cement tiles, large format porcelain tiles which are used to form the bath shower area, and unlacquered brass fixtures that will patinate naturally over time.
Status: Built
Location: Brooklyn, NY, US
Firm Role: Architect
Additional Credits: Photos by Nico Schinco