FORT GREENE TOWNHOMES
Located on a previously vacant corner lot in the landmarked neighborhood of Fort Greene, Brooklyn, this project consists of two newly constructed, four-story single-family townhomes built back-to-back. The surrounding context is defined by a wide variety of 19th-century architectural styles, and the neighborhood itself has seen little change over the past 160 years. This presented a rare opportunity to design a ground-up building in one of Brooklyn’s most historically intact districts.
The design approach was rooted in respect for the surrounding architecture without resorting to imitation. The goal was to create a contemporary structure that fits seamlessly into the historic fabric of the neighborhood. Renderings and drawings were carefully reviewed and ultimately approved by local neighbors, the community board, and the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.
The facades were composed using the inherent modularity of brick, with double soldier courses used to quietly delineate floor levels. Floor-to-ceiling bay windows were incorporated to maximize natural light while aligning with the vertical rhythm typical of nearby townhomes. Traditional proportions and cornice lines were maintained along the street-facing facade, while a more streamlined and contemporary expression was developed for the elevation facing the rear walled garden.
Material choices played a central role in bridging past and present. Painted ironwork and precast brownstone elements at the street level provide both functional support and decorative reference to traditional forms, without relying on historicist ornament. The surrounding gardens, planted with native species selected to thrive in an urban environment, further soften the transition between architecture and landscape.
Inside, a modern interpretation of the traditional rowhouse balustrade was developed using standard steel, arranged in a sculptural format that flows through the stairwell. This custom system is crowned with a finely crafted mahogany handrail that winds elegantly from floor to floor, acting as both a functional and aesthetic centerpiece.
The project required multiple layers of public agency review and received approvals from the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, the NYC Department of Buildings, the NYC Department of Transportation, and the NYC Revocable Consent process. Through careful material selection, contextual sensitivity, and inventive detailing, the project achieves a balance between historical continuity and contemporary design.
The design approach was rooted in respect for the surrounding architecture without resorting to imitation. The goal was to create a contemporary structure that fits seamlessly into the historic fabric of the neighborhood. Renderings and drawings were carefully reviewed and ultimately approved by local neighbors, the community board, and the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.
The facades were composed using the inherent modularity of brick, with double soldier courses used to quietly delineate floor levels. Floor-to-ceiling bay windows were incorporated to maximize natural light while aligning with the vertical rhythm typical of nearby townhomes. Traditional proportions and cornice lines were maintained along the street-facing facade, while a more streamlined and contemporary expression was developed for the elevation facing the rear walled garden.
Material choices played a central role in bridging past and present. Painted ironwork and precast brownstone elements at the street level provide both functional support and decorative reference to traditional forms, without relying on historicist ornament. The surrounding gardens, planted with native species selected to thrive in an urban environment, further soften the transition between architecture and landscape.
Inside, a modern interpretation of the traditional rowhouse balustrade was developed using standard steel, arranged in a sculptural format that flows through the stairwell. This custom system is crowned with a finely crafted mahogany handrail that winds elegantly from floor to floor, acting as both a functional and aesthetic centerpiece.
The project required multiple layers of public agency review and received approvals from the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, the NYC Department of Buildings, the NYC Department of Transportation, and the NYC Revocable Consent process. Through careful material selection, contextual sensitivity, and inventive detailing, the project achieves a balance between historical continuity and contemporary design.