Situation
This project combines the top two floors of a five-story historic townhouse to create a home for two gallery owners and their young child. The couple asked for the spaces to be brought up to date to align with their lifestyle without losing the historic character of the space. In addition to their living quarters, they also asked for a space to entertain and showcase their extensive collection of art.
Perspective section with new connecting stair
Response
The design intervention makes a clear distinction between the two levels. The fourth floor functions as the "private" level, which retains the original floor plan and houses the family's bedrooms. The fifth floor functions as the "public" level, which has walls removed in order to create an open plan living/dining space that can be used for hosting large gatherings. The two floors are connected by a new stair whose structural support also doubles as a gallery wall to feature art.
Wherever possible, the historic qualities of the space are maintained, updated, or revealed. The dropped ceiling on the fifth floor was removed to reveal the original structure above, which extends the verticality of the space. The previous ceiling is registered as a thin, metal reveal in the new space, a quiet trace of its previous life.
Process
Design studies throughout the process
Kitchen material palette studies
View from entry towards living room
View from living room towards entry
View from stairs towards living room and library beyond
View of kitchen from dining area