Marin Hill is 13 unit, 15,500 square foot multi-family housing development located in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, just 12 miles west of Manhattan. The project is sited at one of the highest elevations in town and takes advantage of a uniquely constrained site to capture sweeping views of the Meadowlands and Manhattan skyline. The two-story building is elevated to enhance views, floating above open-air tenant parking and building services below. Township parking regulations were carefully navigated to maximize rentable area with a hybrid configuration of two-bedroom, one-bedroom, and affordable housing units. 

 
The property, previously utilized as an equipment and storage yard for the developer’s masonry contracting business, is set back from the street, absent of any direct street frontage. In order to gain adequate drive access into the site, a careful re-subdivision was negotiated with the neighboring lot which is occupied by a two-story single family dwelling. Additionally, drastic elevational changes at the north and west property boundaries required thoughtful consideration as reinforcement of the existing perimeter retaining walls was necessitated to enable construction.  

Conceptually, the new drive access into the site is considered as a “new street” or a cul-de-sac of sorts. A playfully perforated masonry screen wall enlivens this new “streetscape” as it stretches out to engage the streetfront and draw users into the site and towards the building entry. This wall also serves to mediate grade changes between the new drive and the backyard of the neighboring property, while also establishing a neighborly buffer from the newfound vehicular traffic. Upon approach the building cantilevers out over the sidewalk as it gestures towards the entry and provides cover from the elements. Private outdoor terraces hover just above the sidewalk below, imbuing a sense of welcome and community.     

Materially the project pays homage to the town’s rich history of brick manufacturing dating back to the 18th century. The exterior material palette is composed of lightly colored, textured bricks delicately purposed alongside standing seam metal cladding and exposed concrete. Red Cedar tongue and groove soffits provide a sense of warmth at private outdoor terraces.