Transforming a Brooklyn Row House: A Masterpiece by CWB Architects
In the vibrant, historic landscape of Brooklyn, where classic brownstones and row houses tell tales of bygone eras, the challenge of modernization often meets the desire for preservation. One such remarkable transformation recently unfolded under the meticulous guidance of Dumbo-based CWB Architects. This project saw a three-story row house, once described as being in a “terrible, falling-down shape,” not only gain a new lease on life but also expand upwards with an entirely new floor and an elegant mansard roof. The ambitious renovation was undertaken for a family with two tween-age children, whose evolving needs demanded a home that balanced historical charm with contemporary functionality and ample space.
The vision for this row house, according to architect Brendan Coburn of CWB Architects, transcended a mere structural overhaul. “It’s not in a landmarks district, but we treated it like a landmarks job,” Coburn noted, highlighting the profound respect the firm held for the building’s inherent character and its place within the neighborhood’s architectural tapestry. This philosophy guided every decision, from the grandest structural changes to the most intricate interior details, ensuring the renovated home would honor its 19th-century origins while providing a luxurious, highly functional living environment for the modern family.
A Testament to Historical Reverence and Modern Design
The decision to approach the renovation with the rigor typically reserved for landmarked properties was a deliberate choice, underscoring CWB Architects’ commitment to architectural integrity. This meant painstaking efforts to re-create elements that echoed the home’s original grandeur. Expert artisans were brought in to meticulously replicate historical details, including custom-milled wood trim and elaborate plaster ceiling moldings. These re-creations were so precise that they were nearly indistinguishable from the 19th-century originals, seamlessly blending the new with the old and preserving the home’s unique period charm. This delicate balance of preservation and innovation is a hallmark of CWB Architects’ work, demonstrating their capability to breathe new life into aged structures without erasing their soul.
The addition of an entirely new floor, crowned by a distinctive mansard roof, was a pivotal aspect of the renovation. A mansard roof, known for its elegant, double-sloped design, not only adds significant curb appeal but also cleverly maximizes interior space, making it an ideal choice for urban environments where vertical expansion is key. This strategic architectural intervention allowed the family to gain much-needed square footage, transforming the row house from a cramped, outdated structure into a spacious, multi-level dwelling capable of accommodating a growing family’s needs for privacy, communal living, and dedicated spaces for work and relaxation.
Thoughtful Layouts: Designing for Family Life and Modern Living
The redesigned interior layout is a masterclass in spatial planning, meticulously crafted to optimize flow, functionality, and comfort across all five levels of the home. Each floor serves a distinct purpose, creating a harmonious living experience:
The Elevated Sanctuary: New Top Floor
The newly constructed top floor has been ingeniously designed as a private oasis for the parents. This exclusive level now houses a serene master bedroom, offering tranquil respite and possibly commanding views of the surrounding Brooklyn cityscape. Adjacent to this, a luxurious master bathroom provides a spa-like retreat, complete with high-end fixtures, custom tiling, and ample natural light. Integrated closets offer sophisticated storage solutions, ensuring an uncluttered environment. Additionally, a dedicated office space on this floor allows for focused work or a quiet reading nook, providing the ideal setup for remote work or personal study away from the bustling family areas below. This top-floor sanctuary embodies the modern demand for private adult zones within a family home.
Dynamic Spaces for Growing Children: The Kids’ Floor
Immediately below the master suite, the original top floor has been thoughtfully reconfigured to cater specifically to the tween-age children. This floor now features individual kids’ rooms, providing each child with their own personal space for sleep, study, and play. The design likely incorporates clever storage solutions and durable, easy-to-maintain finishes, recognizing the evolving needs of active young occupants. A shared bathroom, designed for efficiency and style, complements these private zones, fostering a sense of independence while ensuring convenience.
The Heart of the Home: The Parlor Level
The parlor level, traditionally the most formal and public floor in a row house, has been transformed into the vibrant social hub of the home. Here, an expansive living room provides a comfortable and elegant setting for family gatherings and entertaining guests. Seamlessly connected is a state-of-the-art kitchen, likely featuring custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, and a central island that encourages interaction during meal preparation. The adjacent dining room offers a sophisticated space for both casual family meals and more formal dinner parties. The open yet clearly defined layout of this floor promotes connectivity, ensuring that light flows freely and conversations naturally extend across these communal areas, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Leisure and Hospitality: The Garden Floor
Descending to the garden floor, the design introduces spaces dedicated to leisure, relaxation, and hospitality. At the front of this level, a welcoming guest room provides comfortable accommodations for visitors, ensuring their stay is as pleasant as possible. The rear of the garden floor unveils a truly unique and inviting space: a cozy hang-out/TV area. Characterized by charming beamed ceilings, this room exudes warmth and character, creating an intimate ambiance perfect for movie nights, casual lounging, or family game sessions. The beamed ceilings not only add architectural interest but also contribute to a sense of enclosure and coziness, making it a favorite spot for the family to unwind. This level’s direct access to a potential rear garden further enhances its appeal, blurring the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor serenity.
Beyond the Blueprint: Materials, Light, and Livability
The success of CWB Architects’ renovation goes far beyond the strategic addition of a floor or the faithful recreation of historic trim. It lies in the holistic approach to design, focusing on how materials, light, and flow contribute to the overall livability and aesthetic appeal of the home. Natural light, often a challenge in narrow row houses, was maximized through careful window placement, open-plan layouts where appropriate, and the strategic use of lighter color palettes and reflective surfaces. High ceilings, even on the new floor, contribute to an airy and spacious feel, a stark contrast to the home’s former state.
Material selection played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the home’s historic essence and its contemporary needs. While custom wood trim and plaster moldings paid homage to the past, modern elements like durable, elegant flooring (perhaps wide-plank oak or polished concrete), sophisticated lighting fixtures, and high-performance windows were integrated to enhance comfort, energy efficiency, and a sleek aesthetic. Bathrooms and kitchens feature a blend of classic and modern materials—think marble, subway tiles, custom millwork, and state-of-the-art appliances—all chosen for their beauty, durability, and timeless appeal. The choice of hardware, paint colors, and built-in furnishings further reinforces the thoughtful design narrative, ensuring every detail contributes to a cohesive and refined interior.
A Legacy of Thoughtful Renovation
The transformation of this Brooklyn row house by CWB Architects stands as a powerful example of how thoughtful architectural intervention can respect history while boldly embracing the future. By treating a non-landmarked property with the reverence of a historical treasure, CWB Architects not only preserved the charm of a 19th-century building but also significantly enhanced its functionality and aesthetic value. The addition of the mansard roof and an extra floor provided the necessary space for a growing family, while the meticulously planned interior layouts created distinct zones for privacy, communal living, and leisure. This project is more than just a renovation; it is a revitalization, showcasing how expert design can turn a “falling-down shape” into a beacon of modern comfort and timeless elegance, proving that with vision and skill, even the most dilapidated structures can be reborn as exquisite homes.
The collaboration between the architects and the family resulted in a residence that not only meets their current needs but also provides flexibility for future growth, cementing its status as a cherished family home for generations to come. This Brooklyn row house, through CWB Architects’ dedication, now proudly stands as a testament to enduring design, meticulous craftsmanship, and the art of harmonizing the past with the present.