Fort Greene Townhouse

Brooklyn, New York
2019

A new four-story rear extension transformed the formerly dark and insular townhouse into a light-filled, open space that connects with the outdoor landscape. The building was rebuilt to accommodate three apartments. A large skylight brings daylight into the common stair by which each unit is accessed. In the owner’s apartment, the corner of the building extension is cut away, providing an additional exposure of wood windows that bring sunlight deeper into the living spaces. A mixture of contemporary materials are used to bring warmth and character into the interiors.

A cast glass panel held by brass brackets acts as a translucent stair guardrail, allowing daylight to filter into a reading nook below. Recycled glass cullet was placed in a mold and fired in a kiln. Air bubbles were captured floating within the glass.

Against a backdrop of dark leathered stone in the primary bath, a teak ofuro soaking tub has a sheltered view into the garden. A custom teak floor mat surrounds the tub allowing water to overflow all sides of the ofuro to a hidden drain below and runs seamlessly into the adjacent shower.