The Solarium House
An ambitious renovation and vertical expansion of a landmarked Park Slope brownstone, blending historic preservation with contemporary living and generous new space above.
Photography by reBuild Workshop
The Plan
The project involved a comprehensive renovation and vertical addition to an 18-foot-wide brownstone built in 1905, located in Park Slope’s historic district. The reconfigured building is organized with an owner’s triplex occupying the upper levels, a rental unit at the garden level, and the cellar integrated into the owner’s residence.
The vertical addition presented the project’s greatest challenge, requiring careful coordination within the constraints of a landmarked structure and an extensive approvals process. In return, the expansion significantly transformed the home, introducing an entirely new level of high-quality, light-filled living space and two outdoor terraces that capture expansive city views. The addition not only increased the home’s functionality, but also added lasting value while remaining sensitive to the building’s historic context.
Sustainability
The home is served by a high-efficiency, concealed split-type heat-pump system for heating and cooling, with outdoor equipment located discreetly on the roof and interior ductwork carefully integrated within the architecture. High-performance windows were installed throughout, and the exterior building envelope was insulated well beyond code requirements to significantly reduce energy demand. A rooftop solar array by Brooklyn Solarworks further supports the home’s performance goals, generating a substantial portion of the building’s annual energy needs.
