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Before & After: Balancing Act in Brooklyn

Design

Our clients had dreams of recycling some of the quirks of this Greenpoint building into an updated, more functional home. Previously a three-family house, we highlighted a number of clues to the building's history within the new design.

After Exterior of a wood-framed Greenpoint townhouse with cedar siding, planters in front of the home and windows, and black window and door openings.
Before Greenpoint townhouse before our renovation, with white siding and dark window and door openings
For the façade, our client was looking for an organic material that would patina and eventually feel comfortably lived-in. To achieve this, we rabbeted clear cedar planks together for a flush, clean appearance. A new areaway in the front yard allows direct access to the lowest level and significantly more natural light.
After Foyer after renovation, with exposed brick wall, double height space, refurbished wood floors, and a woman walking up the stairs to the left
Before Dark entryway of a Greenpoint home before our renovation with dark wood paneling, door, and floors.
Just as all projects have unexpected challenges, this was no exception. Once we exposed the existing structure, almost every part of the building requires significant repair - foundation walls, perimeter walls, floor joists, and roof framing.
After Stair hallway and double height space at the front of a Greenpoint townhouse after renovation
Before Stair hallway with dark wood paneling and door, before our renovation
We discovered the perimeter walls were constructed with wood framing and brick infill. Luckily, we could salvage the brick to create a new double-height entry space infilled between the two-story structural LVLs.
After Kitchen island, exposed beam, and seating area with a grey sectional and gallery wall in a Greenpoint townhouse.
Before Kitchen before renovation with tan walls, wood floors, and two surfboards at the bottom left.
After sanding and refinishing, we reused the original wide plank pine subfloors on the first floor and kitchen. With careful selection of natural materials and reuse of original character, we were able to create a modern home with lots of history to share.

Before & After Journal

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