Natural Materials Distinguish Greenpoint Townhouse Gut

Architects Alexandra Burr and Allen Slamic of AlexAllen Studio undertook a comprehensive renovation of a 19th-century wood-frame townhouse in Greenpoint, transforming a dimly lit and structurally compromised dwelling into a bright, energy-efficient home. The initial state of the two-stories-plus-basement row house was described as unpromising, characterized by vinyl cladding, modest size, and cavernous rooms with minimal natural light. A significant structural concern involved the fire hazard posed by shared roof cavities across five connected buildings, necessitating immediate sealing and disconnection from neighboring properties. The renovation focused heavily on enhancing natural light and improving energy efficiency. To achieve this, walls were removed on the ground and a portion of the second floor, and the stair opening was enlarged, sacrificing some upstairs floor space to increase light flow. An existing skylight was expanded, and larger window openings were created on the rear facade, resulting in a dramatic increase in natural illumination. All windows were replaced with double-glazed tilt-and-turn units, except for casement windows in the kitchen, and the HVAC and other mechanical systems were entirely updated, significantly improving the home's energy performance. Attention to design details was paramount, with AlexAllen Studio adopting a pared-down aesthetic that integrated historical elements in a simplified manner. The stair, for instance, retained traditional components like spindles, railing, and a newel post but with a modernized, simplified design. A key design choice involved using reveals instead of moldings at the junctures of walls and ceilings. This technique creates subtle shadow lines, offering a cleaner, more refined look than traditional moldings, though it required more meticulous craftsmanship. The design firm's expertise extended beyond architecture to include interiors, furniture, and lighting design, ensuring a cohesive vision for the entire project. The homeowners' personal touches are integral to the home's character. One of the owners, a photographer, film director, and hobbyist woodworker, crafted numerous pieces of furniture in a basement wood shop. These custom-made items include the kitchen table and stools, a daybed in the living room, the primary bedroom's bed, and children's furniture, adding a unique and personal dimension to the interior. The kitchen, a central feature, was designed in an open-plan layout following the removal of a load-bearing wall. Its palette consists of whites, grays, and natural wood, with a Douglas fir glulam beam emphasizing the soffit where the wall once stood. Vermont Plank flooring, sealed with clear oil to preserve its natural color, contributes to the earthy material scheme. The kitchen design was influenced by BDDW tiles, around which the rest of the elements, including Reform cabinets with painted doors, custom oak veneer millwork, and Atlantic Lava Stone countertops, were coordinated. The homeowner also fabricated the light fixture above the kitchen table. Throughout the house, custom oak veneer doors, trimmed with white oak, maintain a consistent aesthetic, with a large pocket door leading to the primary suite allowing for an expansive sightline. The primary bath features zellige tiles from Clé and an existing skylight positioned over the shower, with angled walls to maximize light, alongside a custom oak veneer vanity with an Arabescato marble top and trim. A second full bath on the top floor serves the family's child, completing the thoughtful and integrated design of the renovated Greenpoint townhouse. #GreenpointTownhouse #HomeRenovation #AlexAllenStudio #InteriorDesign #NaturalMaterials #EnergyEfficiency #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalDesign #BrooklynRealEstate #GreenpointTownhouse #HomeRenovation #AlexAllenStudio #InteriorDesign #NaturalMaterials #EnergyEfficiency #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalDesign #BrooklynRealEstate

21 months ago

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