And the award for Most Diplomatic Turn of Phrase goes to…Evan Erlebacher, founder of architecture firm Also Office, for this description of a project pre-intervention: “Like many townhouses in Brooklyn, this one had been maintained piecemeal over decades and not always in a professional way.” [Emphasis ours.] Translation: The building was a mess, a hodgepodge of DIY home improvement projects from the 1970s through the 1990s—all of it dated and bad.
The three-story townhome in the historic district of Bed-Stuy was built in 1881. Its new owner hired Evan and his team to bring cohesion to the chaos. “[The project] required a different design approach to each floor depending on their respective states of disrepair and architectural quality. This entailed executing a contemporary gut renovation with a new single story addition and a new garden design on the ground level, while preserving and renovating the historic parlor level, and overseeing a modest cosmetic restoration of the second floor,” explains Evan.
Once the house was nudged into the 21st century with sensitivity and in a holistic manner, interior design firm Colony was brought on to “play a part in unraveling it into the present moment,” says its founder Jean Lin.
Above: Preservation was the priority on the parlor floor, which consists of the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Here in the living room, Colony appointed it with the Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini and blue vintage Alky Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti.
Above: Architectural woodwork was gently restored, with signs of wear and tear—cracks, color variations, and imperfections—allowed to remain. “The textured patina of the woodwork contrasts with the newly plastered walls and other fresh decorative features, like the new base and crown mouldings.” Wall shelves by Raaks provide elegant storage for record albums, books, and beloved objects. Above: On the walls is Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace. The Out of Line Coffee Table is by Bieke Casteleyn; the cork Clover Side Table is by Grain. Above: The pocket doors leading to the dining room are original, albeit with new fluted glass. (See Trend Alert: Fluted Glass for Just-Enough Transparency.) Above: The vintage dining table is by Thygeson & Sorenson, sourced from Home Union. The dining room credenza is by USM. Above: A colorful corner of the dining room thanks to the coral-hued Chiclet Chair by Ray Wilkes for Herman Miller. The old windows were leaky, so they were all replaced with Lowen double-hung wood windows. Above: The garden level rooms were especially “dark and musty,” says Evan. “The worst part was an uninsulated rear extension that had deteriorated over time due to roof leaks and water damage from condensation.” Post-remodel, the extension now houses his favorite part of the project: a wood-clad sunroom that sits between the bedroom and the overhauled garden. Above: “The sunroom is fully clad in white oak (floors, walls, and ceiling), with built-in white oak cabinetry. The sliding glass door is also clad in white oak to match. The sunroom is pretty small and open on both sides to the bedroom and garden, so the single-material palette gives the space its own boundary and identity,” says Evan. (See The Niche Workspace: 17 Efficient Favorites from the Remodelista Archives.) Above: A cutout window between the bedroom and sunroom frames a garden view. The EAE Lounge Chair is by Erickson Aesthetics; the cork Arch Drinks Table is by Grain. Above: The yard, once “wall-to-wall concrete slab with some weeds growing through the cracks,” has been replaced with lush plantings, decomposed granite, and an ipe fence. “I really love how the sunroom, parlor level terrace, and garden all come together. For me, the most elegant expression of that intersection is the spiral staircase landing in the garden,” says Evan.
What is the documentary 'Bed-Stuy Beauty: An 1880s Townhouse' about?
The documentary explores the transformation of a historic three-story townhome in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, built in 1881. It focuses on the efforts to restore and renovate the townhouse, bringing it into the 21st century while preserving its historical significance.
Who was responsible for the renovation and restoration of the townhouse?
The renovation and restoration project was led by Evan Erlebacher, founder of the architecture firm Also Office. The interior design for the townhouse was handled by Colony, founded by Jean Lin.
What challenges did the townhouse face before the intervention?
Before the renovation, the townhouse had been maintained piecemeal over decades and not always professionally. It was described as a mess with a mix of DIY home improvement projects from the 1970s through the 1990s, which were dated and in poor condition.
What was the approach taken to renovate the townhouse?
The renovation approach varied for each floor, depending on their respective states of disrepair and architectural quality. It involved a contemporary gut renovation with a new addition and garden design on the ground level, preservation and renovation of the historic parlor level, and a cosmetic restoration of the second floor.
What were the priorities for the preservation of the parlor floor?
Preservation was a priority on the parlor floor, which consists of the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Architectural woodwork was gently restored, with signs of wear and tear allowed to remain. The aim was to maintain the textured patina of the woodwork while introducing fresh decorative features.
What interior design elements were used in the townhouse?
Interior design elements in the townhouse included the Camaleonda Sofa by Mario Bellini, vintage Alky Chairs by Giancarlo Piretti, Raaks wall shelves, Benjamin Moore's Chantilly Lace paint, Bieke Casteleyn's Out of Line Coffee Table, and a cork Clover Side Table by Grain, among others.
How was the garden level transformed?
The garden level, described as 'dark and musty' before the intervention, was transformed with a wood-clad sunroom. This sunroom is fully clad in white oak, with built-in white oak cabinetry and a sliding glass door also clad in white oak. The yard, once concrete, was replaced with lush plantings, decomposed granite, and an ipe fence.
What can viewers expect to learn from this documentary?
Viewers can expect to learn about the challenges and intricacies of restoring a historic townhouse, the importance of preserving architectural heritage, and the collaborative efforts of architects and interior designers to bring a historic building into the modern era.
Where can I watch 'Bed-Stuy Beauty: An 1880s Townhouse'?
Information about where to watch the documentary can be found on its official website or through streaming platforms that may offer it.
Is there any additional information about the project's architects and designers?
Additional information about Evan Erlebacher of Also Office and Jean Lin of Colony, including their other projects and achievements, may be available on their respective websites or profiles.
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