Clinton Hill Italianate

This four-story Italianate rowhouse in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill Historic District embodies our belief that thoughtful design can beautifully highlight the rituals of everyday life.

Built in 1874, the house was composed of three stories. We sought to integrate a new fourth story, mindful of the historic street wall and cornice line. By lowering the existing roof framing and creating a setback, the penthouse addition remains discreet from street-level visibility. Clad in vertical yellow cedar, the addition creates a compelling juxtaposition atop the aged brick structure while echoing the verticality of the new window system on the rear façade.

On the exterior, the long, rigid, and repeating lines establish an order that yields to a wonderfully and unexpectedly elastic, playful interior. Gentle curves characterize the reworked stairs and define the skylight and door openings.

The penthouse addition serves as the primary suite and was designed as a serene retreat for the parents of this family of four, complete with a relaxing bedroom, dressing room, primary bath, and deck with a private hot tub.

The house was fully gutted and reconstructed to ensure its structural integrity for a century to come. As part of the design, certain architectural elements are intentionally restrained, in order to allow other features to shine. Our client’s penchant for lively bursts of color and cheeky geometry punctuates every part of the house.

The thoughtful layout balances functionality and charm, ensuring every family member has a sanctuary within the home.