Oculus House
Oculus House transforms an 1887 landmarked Brooklyn brownstone through a series of bold contemporary interventions that celebrate, rather than compete with, its historic character. At its heart, a circular operable skylight opens an interior garden to the sky, creating an unexpected connection between architecture, nature, and the city.
Photography by Ty Cole
The Plan
The renovation reimagines the historic townhouse through a series of deliberate architectural interventions, balancing the preservation of original details with new spaces, materials, and experiences.
At the rear, the façade was opened to establish a stronger connection between the kitchen and garden, bringing daylight deep into the house. The kitchen itself offers a striking counterpoint to this openness: deep forest-green cabinetry, dark walls, warm walnut shelving, and brass accents create a richly layered interior that feels both intimate and dramatic.
The project’s defining intervention occurs at the upper level, where a portion of the primary suite was transformed into an interior garden beneath a large, circular skylight. Triple-glazed and mechanically operable, the skylight introduces daylight, fresh air, and a direct connection to the sky. A black olive tree rises from a recessed planting bed in the slate floor, surrounded by textured plaster and natural stone. When the skylight opens, the space takes on the character of an outdoor courtyard, blurring the boundary between architecture and nature.
Throughout the home, color and materiality establish distinct atmospheres. The parlor floor retains a restrained, predominantly white palette that celebrates the original architectural details. The kitchen introduces darker, richer tones, while a dusty blue stairwell provides a striking backdrop to the restored mahogany banister.
The homeowner, fashion designer Lusha Wang, brought a strong artistic sensibility to the collaboration, helping shape interiors that are expressive, personal, and carefully composed. Each space has its own identity, yet together they form a cohesive home where historic character and contemporary design reinforce one another.
Performance
Beyond its architectural transformation, Oculus House incorporates a comprehensive series of upgrades to improve energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and air quality within the constraints of a landmarked building.
The building envelope was insulated beyond code requirements, while the original double-hung windows were replaced with high-performance, triple-glazed units approved by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. These upgrades improve thermal comfort, reduce drafts, and limit exterior noise while maintaining the historic character of the façade.
The all-electric home uses heat pumps for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water, eliminating the need for on-site fossil-fuel combustion. Low-VOC paints and finishes further support a healthier indoor environment.
Together, these improvements demonstrate that historic preservation and high-performance design can work hand in hand. Oculus House preserves the architectural character of a 19th-century Brooklyn brownstone while creating a more comfortable, efficient, and resilient home for contemporary living.
