South Slope Fixer-Upper

Our team was tasked to transform this 120-year-old, 3-story wood-framed structure into an environmentally-friendly & energy-efficient home for a modern family.  Also, to give it some architectural character that was lacking.

Photography by BlueSlateFilms and reBuild Workshop

The Plan

The 16-foot-wide framed row house is located in Brooklyn, New York. It was reconfigured for single-family use;  sleeping and home office areas are located at the lower and upper levels, with living & dining at the second (“parlor”). The design of the interior space has been tailored to the owners’ programmatic needs but is flexible enough to work with several different occupant scenarios.  At the parlor level, emphasis has been given to maximizing daylight and connecting the indoors with the outdoors - both visually and functionally - to take advantage of the spacious backyard.  

Timber was the material of choice for this project because of its sustainable features, versatility, and warmth. It was used throughout: for the new framing members, the pre-finished hardwood floors, the kitchen’s custom white-oak millwork, the new doors and windows, new interior stairs and railings, the new cedar fence and deck.

Sustainability

One of the project’s primary goals was to reduce the house’s environmental footprint to a minimum. For this reason, a series of sustainable strategies were adopted. These include going 100% electric (removing natural gas) and installing of a solar panel system that generates most of the power needed year-round. Also: high-performance windows, an air-sealed and heavily insulated building envelope (exterior walls, roof), high-efficiency mechanical systems ( “heat-pumps”) for heating, cooling as well as hot water; induction cooktop and other energy efficient electric appliances, LED lighting.

Victorian-style townhouse with green and gray exterior, black railings, red door, surrounded by autumn leaves and trees.
Modern living room with a marble fireplace, large mirror, white pendant light, beige armchair, and a coffee table with vase and books.
Modern living room with a brown leather sofa, decorative pillows, and a staircase in the background. A white vase with flowers is on the coffee table.
Modern living room with a cowhide chair, abstract painting, decorative cabinet, white fireplace, and geometric rug.
Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, quartz island, and stainless steel appliances
Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, white countertops, a stainless steel sink, a stovetop, and a bowl of pears on the island.
Modern kitchen interior with wooden cabinets and shelves, glassware, and red cups. A large sliding glass door opens to an outdoor deck with greenery. Light wood flooring and white countertops are visible. Minimalist and clean design.
Modern bathroom with a double vanity, wooden cabinet, and black fixtures. Features include a bathtub with a window above, light-colored wall tiles, a round mirror, and a small potted plant on the countertop.
Patio with wooden furniture, including a sofa and chairs with white cushions, a coffee table with plates and glasses, surrounded by trees and greenery.
Modern backyard renovation with outdoor seating and dining area, wooden fence, and rooftop solar panels.