Contemporary Townhouse

Cobble Hill Carriage House

Open concept floating staircase leading to a rear living room with a wall of plants.

This prewar Cobble Hill carriage house lived many lives before it came to us. Most recently, the building had been used as a parking garage and office space, before falling into disrepair. Our adventurous clients wanted to modernize the space with one-of-a-kind details, including a floating staircase and two-story living wall.

Front facade after our renovation, with black trim, grey lintels, and a full-story addition with dormers. — A rooftop addition allowed us to create a multi-story open staircase without sacrificing living space.

Front facade of a Cobble Hill carriage house with white lintels and garage door, before our renovation — A rooftop addition allowed us to create a multi-story open staircase without sacrificing living space.

Entertainment space in the cellar of a Cobble Hill carriage house with exposed fieldstone walls and a glass wall showcasing a below-grade outdoor seating area. — During excavation, we uncovered original fieldstone in the basement. Leaving it exposed allowed the cellar-level entertainment space to feel like a modern homage to the building's history.

Unfinished cellar in a Cobble Hill carriage house before our renovation — During excavation, we uncovered original fieldstone in the basement. Leaving it exposed allowed the cellar-level entertainment space to feel like a modern homage to the building's history.

Neutral living room with white furniture and 5 large mirrors on the wall. — On the second floor, the living room was brightened by replacing the windows and opening the space to allow natural light from the skylights to penetrate the room.

Second floor living and dining area before our renovation. — On the second floor, the living room was brightened by replacing the windows and opening the space to allow natural light from the skylights to penetrate the room.

Kitchen with stainless steel appliances and mixed wood cabinetry.

Floating walkway connecting the primary bedroom suite to the front of the house's third floor

Open concept floating staircase leading to the kitchen with a wall of plants.

Note from the Architect

We opened up the home's main living spaces and designed a dramatic double height space. Large skylights above a floating staircase of wood, glass, and steel allow natural light to pour into the home.

Bocce light display hanging over the kitchen table, next to an artisan-crafted pantry.

Neutral living room with white furniture and 5 large mirrors on the wall. The space opens to a living wall and the kitchen.

Kitchen with mixed wood cabinetry, a blue wood island, bocce light fixture, and white sculptural element on the ceiling

View of an artisan-crafted round, green pantry from a modern metal staircase.

First-floor guest bedroom with a sliding glass door that leads out to the back yard.

Floating walkway above a very large skylight

The excess light allows an 18-foot living wall, stretching over two floors, to thrive. A glass walkway connects the primary bedroom suite at the rear to the front of the third floor without interrupting the light.