A Timeworn Brownstone in Brooklyn Becomes a Growing Family’s Sanctuary

After a top-to-bottom renovation and a two-story extension, garden views now fill this 19th-century home in Fort Greene.

From the garden, an illuminated view into the bi-level extension.

Eager to start a family, a New York couple living in Tribeca spent quite a bit of time scouring Brooklyn’s culturally diverse Fort Greene neighborhood for a spacious new home. Close to the area’s namesake park and Brooklyn Academy of Music, the four-story townhouse they eventually found was not only a dream for them, but also for TBD Architecture + Design Studio. 

A calming vibe is immediately instilled at the entry.

A calming vibe is immediately instilled at the entry.

Photo: Matthew Williams

 “As much as we love the original detailing of brownstones, it’s hard to design around them and come up with layouts that work for modern living,” says Selin Semaan, co-founder of the New York firm. 

The townhouse's brilliant extension is defined by the garden, located just off the living room.

The townhouse’s brilliant extension is defined by the garden, located just off the living room.

Photo: Matthew Williams

This particular attached 1899 Italianate-style row house was in a state of extreme disrepair when Semaan and her partner Joshua Weiselberg encountered it, so they stripped the structure down to its shell. Except for the brick façade that they restored, everything was rebuilt from scratch, freeing the designers in their approach. A 400-square-foot, full-width, two-story extension to the rear of the interior is undoubtedly the highlight.

The fireplace, flanked by speakers, is a central feature of the living room.

The fireplace, flanked by speakers, is a central feature of the living room.

Photo: Matthew Williams

See the full story on Dwell.com: A Timeworn Brownstone in Brooklyn Becomes a Growing Family’s Sanctuary
Related stories:

  • Before & After: We’re Taking Notes on This Expertly Rehabbed Midcentury in Austin
  • Watch How This Danish-Style Farmhouse Unites a Family With Nature
  • This V-Shaped House’s Front Courtyard Opens Up to the Neighborhood

Similar Posts

  • Denver LoHi Chic

    A beautiful contemporary 3 bed, 2.5 bath 2,900 sq ft home professionally designed and crafted with high end finishes throughout and unique concrete and brick walls. A true chef’s kitchen with state of the art Cafe brand appliances, quartz countertops and open shelving. Luxurious baths with free standing tubs, vessel sinks and marble backsplashes throughout. Concrete accent wall in master bedroom with charming Juliet balcony facing Downtown. Impressive 5 piece master bathroom with walk in shower and deluxe finishes. Upstairs loft walks out to massive wraparound deck with 360 degree views of Downtown Denver and LoHi. Perfect location with easy walking to Rockies Stadium, Union Station, LoDo, RiNo, and all of Denver’s best bars and restaurants in LoHi. This well appointed, fully furnished home has ample entertaining and socializing space. Large bedrooms and bathrooms, space to lounge, and comfortable sleeping arrangements for all. The master bedroom is furnished with a king bed and en-suite bathroom on the main floor. The two other bedrooms are furnished with queen beds and share a large guest bath off the hallway on the lower level. Washer and dryer available for guest use.

  • Kahua Kuili Residence

    The Kahua Kuili residence is a modern interpretation of the classic Hawai’i summer camp. In keeping with the firm’s design philosophy, the warm yet spacious retreat was designed with longevity in mind. Kahua Kuili incorporates centuries-old indigenous design elements paired with contemporary attitudes to create a residence that will remain relevant for generations to come. Located within the dry portion of the Kona Coast at the base of the large cinder cone Pu’u Kuili, the property offers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and Kua Bay as well as mountain views of Hualalai. Previously the site of a working ranch, the transition to residence became an opportunity to return the majority of the landscape to its natural state: a mix of lava and bunch grasses. Inspired by traditional Hawaiian architecture, the 5,590-square-foot residence is composed of multiple structures that simultaneously provide privacy through their scattered arrangement and community through the open spaces between them. The camp-like retreat’s focal point is the main hale (Hawaiian for house), which provides a central gathering place for family and friends. The main hale opens to ocean views and the central, protected courtyard, enabling activity to flow easily between indoor and outdoor space, including to the adjacent pool and tiki bar. The bar/lounge area spills over into the pool, complete with multiple lounge chairs and breathtaking ocean views. A barbecue/luau area allows for gatherings of family and friends who can picnic under the comfort and shade of a magnificent kiawe tree. Deep roof overhangs define the transition between inside and outside and offer shelter from sun and rain. Outdoor spaces link the separate structures—guest quarters, studio, wash house, garage—to one another. The use of simple, durable materials, such as board-formed concrete, western red cedar, large sliding doors, operable wood ventilation louvers, and rope lashing help reinforce the camp-like aesthetic. Western red cedar was selected for its resistance to termites and dry rot as well as for the beautiful way it patinas with age. Natural stone cowboy walls surrounding the property help create a sense of privacy from nearby houses. The interiors, by Marion Philpotts, were designed in a comfortable, contemporary aesthetic with bright colors and retro elements that tie into the modern theme of the structure. The expansive cedar-clad kitchen features a breakfast bar, dining table, and state-of-the-art appliances. Tall ceilings, large windows, and grand sliding doors that open to the courtyard contribute to the casual ease of the house. Intimate spaces, which include cozy reading nooks and relaxing sitting areas, are scattered throughout the home. Kahua Kuili is the quintessential destination for relaxation, where one can unwind comfortably and in style, all while enjoying the natural climate and landscape of Hawaii. Project team
    Architect: Walker Warner Architects
    Interior Designer: Philpotts Interiors
    Landscape: David Y. Tamura Associates
    Builder: Maryl Construction
    Photography: Matthew Millman