Cobble Hill Brownstone, Cobble Hill Historic District, Brooklyn, NY
an environment for the art
Cobble Hill Brownstone Brooklyn, NY Completion: 2022 Size: 5,000 SF Type: 5 Story Brownstone Townhouse
TRA studio’s Assistance : Historical Research, Preservation, Architectural Design + Documentation, Interior Design, Lighting, Landscape Design, Agencies Filing, TRA studio’s Assistance : Historical Research, Preservation, Architectural Design + Documentation, Interior Design, Lighting, Project Management
the Cobble Hill Brownstone project is the recipient of a 2024 California SARA Award
THE CLIENTS
The restoration and interior renovation of this five story historic Cobble Hill brownstone, located on a tree lined street that retains its original residential atmosphere, offered us the unique opportunity to work with the same client we have known and worked with, in a very different setting for years. Our clients, who are not new to restorations and renovations, were attracted to the seemingly intact exterior, which however housed a heavily altered interior in need of extensive upgrades.
THE ARCHITECT LED PROJECT MANAGEMENT
At the client’s request, the construction process was led by the architect, allowing to both the client and the design team, full control on the construction details and process.
THE GUT RENOVATION, RESTORATION
Both exterior facades, dormers and roof levels, have been completely restored and the dormers reconstructed.
The interior of the house has being renovated taking full advantage of the historic surviving vestigias: the sculptural staircase has been carefully restored, the plaster moldings are being reconstructed by hand, fireplaces and floors are being reconditioned to their original state.
THE INTERIORS
The design fully embraces the narrative of townhouse lifestyle, where living spaces are layered to suit different functions and moods. The cellar level, far from being a service floor, accessed by the new open stair, houses a refined wine cellar and the dogs’ care-quarters, (the dogs are however welcome everywhere in the house). The public parlor level is connected to the family room and guests' quarters floor, followed by the Master bedroom suite where the back room houses the well-equipped walk-in closet. The painting studio sits at the top level, where the guests often sit as models.
The renovated spaces are the backdrop for the curated eclectic collection of art , mostly figurative paintings, antiques and vintage, often humorous, storytelling objects.
THE REAR YARD AND THE DESIGN OFTHE CONSERVATORY
The garden level, occupied by kitchen and dining, accesses a surprisingly modern landscaped rear yard, complete with a fountain and carp pond, through a new conservatory inspired by the turn of the century glass and metal greenhouses, both interventions had to go through the Landmarks Preservation Commission approval process.
The dialogue between the restoration and the new, finds an easy parallel in the philosophy behind the New York Academy of Arts where traditional techniques are taught to encourage the creation of figurative, but contemporary art.
SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES
The envelope has been restored following, as much as it is possible when dealing with an historic structure, passive house practices, new mechanical systems and support spaces are seamlessly woven in to bring the old structure up with contemporary expectations.
‘thank you to @TRAstudio, the architects who helped us make this house such a great environment for the art
“The thing I like best is how they have stayed with us to solve any problem that has come up, even years after the renovation was complete.
“I find them smart, creative and non-profit budget-conscious. And not only did they do a wonderful job, they have always been available for the past four years whenever an issue comes up”.
from our client, the owners of the Cobble Hill Brownstone
NEWS:
see the spread in zerobeyond’s interview with Robert Traboscia