Brooklyn Pre-War Apartment

Transforming this large triangular Co-op unit, located in a historic pre-war Brooklyn building, introduced unique challenges to the design team, which required very creative solutions. The completed product is beyond anyone’s expectations.

Architectural sketch of Grand Army Plaza design featuring custom bookshelves, a round table, curved seating, radiator vents, and directional arrows to Prospect Park. Includes notes on materials like white oak ply jamb and a key plan section.

Photography by Blue Slate Films & Pernille Loof

The Plan

 Our team has developed a sophisticated layout that respects the building's unique structure while bringing it up to modern living standards.

We introduced two thick wall partitions with large cased openings to divide half of the apartment's footprint into its three main living areas - the kitchen, the dining room, and the living room. This offers easy circulation between the spaces and links them visually, directing views and offering a sense of openness.

The kitchen island - a monolithic centerpiece wrapped in black soapstone - is unconventionally located perpendicular to the main kitchen counter and cuts through one of the cased openings, opening the kitchen to the dining room.

Custom millwork pieces have been installed in the dining room and living room, including a breakfast nook banquette, a bookcase with storage, shelving, and a long piece designed to conceal the steam radiators and a new AC unit and provide shelving for books.

Sustainability

As part of the project, we have insulated all exterior walls of the apartment. We have integrated a new, high-efficiency HVAC system to maximize the ceiling height and ensure appropriate air distribution throughout the unit. This new system cools the apartment with a fraction of the energy previously used by the dozen or so window AC units it replaced. By opening up the floor plan, we have brought in much more daylight, which, together with the use of LED fixtures, has dramatically reduced the energy used for lighting. Additionally, we have installed a new mechanical exhaust system and utilized low-VOC paints, low-formaldehyde plywood, and cabinets to ensure high indoor air quality.

Modern living room with light-colored sofa, armchairs, and coffee table, decorated with yellow flowers and a rug, large windows with woven blinds, and neutral tones.

View of the new living room which opens up to the dining area towards the back

Modern living room with built-in shelves, TV, sofas, and chairs on a parquet floor.

Entry area

The kitchen island is wrapped in soapstone

A custom L-shaped banquette and a round table create an informal dining area by the window

Nursery room with a jungle-themed mural, white crib, gray armchair, stuffed toys, books, and large windows with greenery outside.

One of the kids’ room features a floral wallpaper

Modern dining nook with a black table, two chairs, a corner sofa, and a white vase with flowers. Nearby, there's a window with a beige shade, and in the background, a living room with a bookcase.

The kitchen island is wrapped in soapstone

Master bath

Primary Bath with turquoise glazed tile and cherry vanity

Cozy bedroom interior with a neatly made bed featuring soft pillows and blankets, a wooden crib in the corner, a modern dresser, and a floor lamp. Natural light filters through large windows with Roman shades, enhancing the neutral color palette.

Primary Bedroom

Stylish entryway with wooden console table, round mirror, tall black candlesticks, white vase with flowers, and decorative pottery, set against a white paneled wall.

Master bedroom nook

Small home office with a brown swivel chair, wooden desk, and shelving. A window with a potted plant and a lamp provides natural light. Floor is wooden, and shelves hold books and decorations.

The Compact Home office features custom built-in millwork

Cozy bedroom with neutral tones, featuring a bed with beige linens and a green throw, a wooden nightstand with a lamp, alarm clock, and decorative objects. A geometric wall hanging is above the bed.