The Architect Is In: A Brooklyn Townhouse Grows Around a Roof Garden - Remodelista
Photography by Antoine Bootz. In need of architects to collaborate with her on the gut renovation of her family’s Cobble Hill home, landscape designer Julie Farris hired Brooklyn firm Khanna Schultz, a member of the Remodelista Architect and Designer Directory. The clients wanted a contemporary, light-filled space that was as open as possible. “Even the stair is open and sculptural, bringing in light from above and allowing views to pass through.” Situated at the back of the townhouse, the dining area is divided from the den by an oversized sliding barn door that, when open, allows the two rooms to flow into each other. The kitchen occupies the middle zone of the interior landscape, between the dining area and the living area. The kitchen cabinets were custom made by New Jersey Hardwoods (introduced to the architects by general contractor Showcase Construction), and are sprayed with an opaque catalyzed lacquer–a hardy finish. Throughout the project, the design employs a limited palette of materials, all of which were selected for their inherent beauty and texture. Meanwhile, the Concordia hearth, which extends across the room on either side of the fireplace, harks back to the kitchen island countertop. Detailed as a floating object, the stair leads to the rooftop garden. Julie Farris designed her rooftop to function as her family’s backyard, a relaxed outdoor space that she and her husband can enjoy with their children. The stairs between the second and third floors are more solid and built-in. “The barn door slides with ease because of the heavy-duty hardware we selected,” says Khanna. In the master bedroom, a minimalist and discrete slot diffuser houses the HVAC system. A bright palette is introduced in the children’s room. The architects detailed the cabinetry in the bathroom to be similar to the kitchen millwork. The apartment’s entry vestibule is at street level. The corner townhouse has two entrances on separate sides of the building. A view of the entry stairs before construction. The area on the third floor where the kitchen now sits. A view toward what is now the dining room. The third floor (top level) of the project is oriented to the roof garden and devoted to the public rooms. The bedrooms and bathrooms are on the second floor (lower level).