carroll gardens townhouse renovation | Marcello Ferri

The historic rowhouse located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn was originally designed by Edward P. Crane, and built in 1873. The renovation reconfigures the layout of the floors and improves natural light with skylights and a transparent “wall” at the rear elevation of the parlor floor. The wall is configured with five ventilation windows, a sliding door and a sun control device to regulate temperature. Aesthetically, it creates an aesthetic focal point for the inhabitants by fusing the interior with the exterior creating a 15x30 “picture” of historic Brooklyn. Additional function and design elements include a wood clad deck with stairs that serves as an extension to the parlor floor and provides direct access to the garden. During the winter superinsulation and a high-efficiency heating systems, combined with an abundance of natural light minimize the two units overall energy usage. During the summer the building is naturally ventilated and cooled.