aluminum rowhouse
Bed-Stuy , Brooklyn
SITUATION: Once a common, inexpensive building material on the block, aluminum sidinG IS ALMOST GONE. a new design reuses and reinterprets this classic material, offering a contemporary nod to the area’s past.
IDEA: use an old type of material to make a ‘historic’ new property
1. background
photo: NYC Dept of Finance 1980’s tax photos
The project is a multi-family reconstruction of a rowhouse in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn. The surrounding neighborhood is undergoing transformation. Its old aluminum sided houses are disappearing, being replaced by homes with alternative exterior finishes.
Historically, many houses on this street were over clad with aluminum siding - So many that these type of houses formed a fabric and identity of the block. When the few remaining aluminum clad buildings are gone, so will a cultural era on that block.
2. remembered, reused, redefined
The design idea was to use aluminum siding as way to connect to the old block. Oriented diagonally, its visual quality changes from ordinary to elegant. Following the existing streetwall, the siding folds outwards into planter and cornice features. The resulting look is tailored and contemporary, but reminiscent of the houses and culture once lining the block.
3. openings
A 17ft wide rowhouse is narrow, and after fitting the stairs, closets, kitchen and bathrooms into the plan, the remaining living spaces felt small. The interior idea was to create a taller and wider feeling space. The opening of the glass floor and wall give a double height feel in the center of the house
4. lightwell
The stair and landing area form a lightwell at the center of the building. A luminous stretch ceiling pours diffuse light thru the glass floor into the living area below. Light color and intensity can be adjusted with a phone app.
5. door panels
Sliding panels separating the stair landing from the bedroom and bathroom can open to make a master bedroom suite. Door jambs are hidden giving the landing a panelized look and feel.
information
Completion: 2018
Gross floor area": 2800 ft²
Client: H.Sage
Project architect: RESITUATED Architecture
Structural engineer: A Degree of Freedom
MEP engineer: ATOZ Consulting Engineers
Photographer: Chris Mottalini