DESIGN PRIORITIES.
The project involved updating the historic home to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle and environmental values, introducing a modern aesthetic, improving energy efficiency and thermal comfort, and reworking the building’s layout to also create a desirable apartment for rental income.
TRUE SECOND DWELLING.
The existing row home included a dark, undesirable, single-floor studio apartment with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. To increase the quality and quantity of space, this was re-imagined as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, washer/dryer, and increased ceiling height. It rented immediately.
CONNECTION + TRANSPORTATION.
The street-level building entry became shared for both units as the everyday entrance – with bike storage plus an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage. Walking, biking, and the nearby subway are all practical options. Each unit can also charge electric cars in the rear of the building for greater distances.
Project Goals:
• Alignment with Personal Environmental Values
• Modern Design Aesthetics
• Improved Energy Efficiency
• Year Round Thermal Comfort
• Rental Unit for Passive Income
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After a deep energy retrofit, the historic front facade of the building is largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas.
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The dramatically renovated kitchen includes generous counter space and storage, and deck access.
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The interior is designed with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space has a new matte monochromatic finish, the mahogany doors were simply refinished, and new wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish was installed.
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The updated living space includes a comfortable connection to the kitchen.
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The rear facade is insulated on the exterior, has high performance triple pane windows, and includes electric car charging ports at the lowest level.
