E 9th Street

Type: Single-Family Detached Home, Full Reconstruction
Status: Completed Fall 2023
Size: 3,300 SF, Four Stories
Location: Kensington, Brooklyn, NY

A modern black two-story building with large windows and a small front porch with steps and outdoor seating.
Modern black house with a balcony, outdoor furniture, potted plant, and stairs, situated between other houses.

For this project, we undertook a full renovation of both the exterior and interior of a single-family home that had been severely damaged by fire, resulting in a vacate order. The reconstruction required extensive structural repair and reinforcement, along with complete replacement of the plumbing, electrical, mechanical systems, and finishes.

The project required a complex review and approval process with the city. This process provided an opportunity to rethink the home's design and functionality to better suit the needs of the family of four who live there.

Outdoor space was a priority in the design. We created a covered deck that extends seamlessly into the rear yard, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor living. On the top floor, an outdoor terrace with pavers extends from the lounge, providing a private retreat with open views.

Modern kitchen with black countertops, white and wood cabinets, pendant lights, a window, and a door leading outside. Decor includes glass jars and a flower arrangement.
Modern kitchen with a black countertop island, white and wood cabinets, a flower vase, kitchenware, and three brown chairs. Bright space with large windows and hardwood flooring.
Modern kitchen with dark countertop, white cabinets, wooden accents, a window with blinds, and a vase of pink and white flowers on the counter. A person appears blurred in motion.

Across all four floors, we carefully crafted a contemporary renovation tailored to the needs of an active family, using a durable yet minimal material palette. We selected modern natural materials that bring character, texture, and movement to the space.

Modern kitchen with white cabinetry, wooden accents, and a dining table with benches. There's a window with natural light and a potted plant on the table.
Close-up of a kitchen corner with a black countertop, a wooden backsplash, and part of a window frame.

The first floor includes a new main entry vestibule with durable materials leading to an open living space at the center. At the rear of the floor, we designed a new kitchen with soapstone countertops and an extended island, featuring cabinets on both sides of the narrow layout. The kitchen is bathed in natural light, with windows on three sides. 

The dining room at the rear of the floor opens up to a newly covered outdoor patio, which is extended by a new deck that leads into the rear yard.

Open front door revealing entryway with black walls, black tiled flooring, and a basket. A pair of black slippers on the floor. Part of a wooden cabinet with flowers in a vase on top, and a photo on the wall to the left.
View of a modern bathroom seen through a partially open door. The bathroom features a white sink with a black faucet, light wooden cabinetry, and a wall-mounted round mirror. The wall behind the sink is covered with vertical wooden paneling.
View through a doorway into a room with a wooden slat wall, a black towel ring on the wall, and a window with white blinds.
Interior view of a modern staircase with wooden steps and black metal railing against white walls and wooden flooring.

On the south side of the house, a slender alley separates it from the neighboring property. To maximize natural light, we strategically added and enlarged windows, creating brighter, more open interior spaces.

Modern bathroom with a white freestanding bathtub, black hexagonal tiled shower area, wooden vanity with white countertop, potted plants, and horizontally oriented windows.
Modern bathroom with a white bathtub and wooden vanity with white sink and silver faucet.

The second floor is dedicated to sleeping and privacy, featuring three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including the primary suite. To enhance natural light in the middle bedroom, we added a new window across the hall and incorporated double pocket doors.

A living room with a sliding door leading to a sunlit space with a red armchair and matching ottoman, a white cabinet with a globe and toy cars, shelves with books and DVDs, a colorful polka dot rug, a round table with art supplies, and a black chair.
View of a small bathroom with a wooden and gray vanity, round mirror, black fixtures, and a small plant; seen through an open doorway from a room with bookshelves.

The third floor offers a flexible and playful living space, featuring a large open lounge with bookshelves, a guest bedroom at the front, and a bathroom. Double doors open to a spacious outdoor terrace at the rear of the floor.

Interior view of a room with two tall windows, one on a white wall and the other on an orange wall, allowing sunlight to illuminate the space.
Interior view of an empty room with large windows, light-colored wood flooring, and beige walls.
Empty room with blue accent wall, large window on the right, white walls, and wooden flooring.

Throughout the project, we created unique moments that enhance the spatial experience. In three distinct locations, we applied a different color to both the walls and ceiling, subtly altering perception and adding depth to the spaces.

A modern building with dark gray vertical metal siding, a horizontal rectangular window reflecting nearby trees, and a black outdoor wall light fixture against a clear blue sky.
Close-up of a building wall with vertical black siding and a concrete foundation.

The exterior is clad in dark grey vertical cladding, with new windows providing a counterpoint with warm beige frames. This contemporary façade adds character and distinction to the Brooklyn streetscape.