A jewel-box renovation of a 3-story historic Brooklyn Brownstone aimed at bringing all the modern functionalities to a growing family of young professionals
Park Slope Brooklyn brownstone
Photography by reBuild Workshop
The Plan
Our team was tasked to reconfigure this historic brownstone into a 2- 2-family configuration with an owners’ duplex at the upper 2 levels & a rental unit at the garden level. The owners’ unit features a large kitchen/dining area that opens to the rear deck via new French doors. A powder room and closet space have been strategically placed at the center of the parlor area, facilitating the seamless integration of the various new building systems. The upper level is configured into a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom & small office configuration.
The house had plenty of historical millwork and wood details in relatively good condition; as part of the project, they were largely preserved and restored. Their dark finish was found visually overwhelming, so many were refinished - something that significantly lightened up the interior. It also introduced some architectural hierarchy, allowing elements like the fireplace and the interior stairs left in the darker wood finish to become more of a focal point against a lighter and less busy background.
Sustainability
The old gas-fired boiler has been replaced with a high-efficiency, concealed split-type heat-pump HVAC system that provides heating and cooling. All old windows & skylights have been replaced with new, high-performance ones approved by NYC LPC. The exterior envelope has been insulated well above what’s required by code.
Living room boasts restored and refinished bay window and great southern light.
The upper half of the fireplace mantle was removed; the lower half that stayed was refinished, and got refinished with soapstone.
The existing opening between the living room and the entry hallway was widened so the beautiful stairway now feels more part of the living space.
The new widened and reconfigured kitchen is the jewel piece of the house. Among other things, it features quarried marble countertops and backsplash, and custom wood cabinetry.
A custom, decorative marble vanity is the centerpiece of the new powder room.
Compact home office at the upper level