apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I dig the clear floor w/the artwork combo. As for the shower, doesn't everything get drenched?

Love the recessed mirror with light above the bathroom sink. In the photo is slmosts looks like a window.

I love the idea of letting the light in. I would be in heaven if I could have such a sun-drenched apartment. Definitely won't be wearing my kilt when I visit.

MATT!
I was JUST going to make a kilt joke!!!
Scary.

Love, love LOVE the artwork Gil made in the landing hallway. Has he done anything similar professionally?

Could you post the names and contact info for any of the local artists who moonlight as plumbers, contractors, and finish carpenters who might be interested in small paying jobs in Brooklyn?

Cool looking but definitely built by a guy for a guy! The last thing I would want is everyone looking at my panties when traipsing around in a cocktail dress during parties at my pad. Seriously - get some kind of translucent runner you can lay down on the floor during parties if you expect any skirt-clad guests to walk around upstairs.

Very interesting!
Maxwell, when you post tours could add something about whether it's a warm/cool/combo type place?

Seriously what IS that artwork? Glass? Plexi? Whatever it is it's cool.

Geez transparent floors give me the heebie geebies. eek.


Nice light though, and BIG kudo's to mapping out the plumbing while it was visible. I know some plumbers who would cry and manfully hug Gil in happiness faced with that.

eeeck--
Please refrain from using "panties" and "pad" in the same sentence. ;)

I love the bathroom with Asian influences, but not too keen on the clear hallway and the open-shelved kitchen (looks too cluttered). The artwork is amazing!

Funny, what struck me wasn't the inevitable problems with the transparent walkway (which looks really cool), but the lack of door on the master bath. I take it Gil lives alone? Cuz some things just shouldn't be shared.

It's always seemed to me that the only real advantage to having a 6-bathroom mcmansion was that if there was an outbreak of food poisoning while you had houseguests, you were all set.

Anyway, lovely light, and I like the combination of the victorian and the eastern. So, for that matter, would the Victorians - so it's not a contradiction in the least.

The problem of see-through floors was something the Wisconsin state capitol had to deal with. It was designed with lots of skylights to reduce the need for artificial light. Some hallways had floors with glass blocks to allow light to pass to the corridors below them.

Once more women started working in the building, it was noticed that men would hang around underneath these glass blocks. So the pulled them out, sandblasted them until they were translucent, and put them back in.

At least, that's what the tour guides told me.

where do you buy plexiglass and metal frames to install as floors? would it be strong enough to hold a bed?

I completely agree with Gil on having lots of light, a large bathroom (with clawfoot tub), and doing what you want with your space!

I almost always wear skirts and had the same reaction as the others about that walkway. Gil, what should us ladies do if we get invited over to your place?

Lori 2--
Just make sure Gil is with you at all times.
Or, one word: culottes.

Fred--
I need the number of any manfully-hugging plumbers you know of.

THANKS for all the feedback and below are some answers to your questions:

Plumbing: Jason can pretty much do anything and he can be found @ (917) 684-9064.

Doesn't everything get drenched [in the shower]? With the help of a curtain hanging off of a cantilevered metal rod (see photos) nothing gets drenched (there may be some water on the tiles under the tub).

Seriously what IS that artwork? Glass? Plexi? The piece hanging above the translucent landing is a 6’x6’ C-Print from an 8x10” negative of a digitally-mastered video and laminated onto UV-protected Plexiglas.

LOVE the artwork Gil made in the landing hallway. Has he done anything similar professionally? The photos hanging around the house are my work and prints can be purchased (gilnyc@gmail.com).

What struck [was] the lack of door on the master bath. I take it Gil lives alone? A boundary between the master BR and bathroom is on my list for the future (there’s a more traditionally enclosed bathroom downstairs) and the options of materials (metal-framed sliding doors, industrial glass fabrications) and shapes is daunting.

The problem of see-through floors… This is the first question I get from visitors (the next being will it hold me?) but in reality this has not been a problem (even through several parties) as the landing leads to my study. I’ve been told that eventually the Plexi will scratch and I’ll want to sandblast it keeping its translucent nature.

Where do you buy plexiglass and metal frames to install as floors? would it be strong enough to hold a bed? Canal Plastics is where I ordered my 1” Plexi. You should consult an architect as to its weight-bearing capabilities but I believe it will hold a bed (it’s pretty much bullet-proof too).

Mapping out the plumbing was mostly done for my own sanity and I’m sure somebody will be very happy to have it at some point…

Thanks for taking a look!
Gil

Gil, what should us ladies do if we get invited over to your place?

Posted by Lori 2 at 03/02/06 1:43 AM


Where no panties? teehee :D

not trying to be rude...would you be able to give a rough estimate as to the entire cost of this...we would like to renovate but really have no clue as to what something like this would cost in the end...feel free not to answer if it's too personal but i am curious.
awesome place although i think my stomach would drop walking through the hallway on plexiglass.

k

Gil - if you find brownstones "narrow, dark and claustrophobic" why did you bother to buy an apartment in one? There are legions of brownstone owners that would beg to disgree. Many people cannot even fathom financing or buying a brownstone duplex because of the staggering cost. Yet, such apartments and buildings are considered very desirable 9except by you, I guess) You come off rather obnoxious actually.
P.S. The positioning of a large television in front of a decorative fireplace is sadly misplaced.

GREAT renovaton overview. Thank you!

Thomas

PS To 'sammie':
You had to try and derail the positive vibe of this thread didn't you? YOU come off as judgemental and defensive, not the host.

Gorgeous!! and I am glad the plexi's bulletproof - that way your skirt-wearing guests can visit your study without fear of getting shot....

ok, i know this is an oldie, but as a fort greener myself i just have to raise my perenial question.

why buy a brownstone in a landmark area if you think they're "narrow, dark, depressing, and clausterphobic"? there are plenty of nice modern high rise condos with open floor plans going up all over brooklyn. this isn't to say i don't think anyone should modify their home after buying, or that if you buy a brownstone you're necessarily committing yourself to life as a historical reenactor.

but i just don't get these people who buy into very specific historic architecture and then change the whole nature of the space to acheive something entirely oppositional to what the structure was designed for. it's not like the only homes available in brooklyn are brownstones; in fact it's quite the opposite -- brownstones are at a premium, and it would be much more affordable for most buyers to take a regular old townhouse, or a floor through condo in a high rise building, or something that met their needs from the get-go rather than buying one thing and trying to turn it into something else entirely.

it's like buying a vintage hermes handbag, dissecting it, and reassembling the scraps of leather such that the result looks just like the latest from chanel. if you wanted a new chanel handbag, why did you buy a vintage hermes one?

I love seeing people get more light into their homes - that's on the top of my reno wish list!!

I am not getting the mini-trend towards completely open shelving in the kitchen. Am I remembering that we saw this in another recent bachelor pad home tour? Is this a male thing? It looks cluttered and is impractical (kitchenware and shelves get covered in greasy dust).

My first thought on seeing this was also, why did you buy a brownstone if you don't like brownstones? What's the point of taking a brownstone and basically making it look like an industrial loft? Very Sorry to be negative, but I think it should be said. As opoponax points out, there are many modern places in Brooklyn, and there are many people who love brownstones.

I especially love the historic character of Fort Greene and it makes me sad to see someone there who doesn't appreciate it as well.

i see london, i see france
i see EVERYBODY'S underpants!

Gill,

I love what you've done with the brownstone. It really is a case of turning a sow's ear into a silk purse. I am especially impressed by your engineering of the home's infrastructure. I hope you will keep us updated as your renovation progresses.

As for the critics, I think they have to keep in mind that when one manages to get "affordable" housing in the NYC metropolitan area, the creative person takes what they have and develops it as far as their budget, time, creativity and energy will take it. After all, isn't that what this website is about?

no comments??? Wow is this place ever incredible trully a wonderful space. I could be very happy there and your decorating is even pretty inspiring beleve it or not!

I sure love the clear landing.

Reminds me of the glass floor at the CN Tower.

Great job man!

Real Cool.........

Mike

I love the period character of the original skylight above the stairs... even though it looks like it took on a lot of water over the years.

I think this is a great combo of traditional brownstone (small rooms, dark) and modern (big rooms, light). I disagree with the "keep brownstones brownstone" faction here---the modern updates make the space more liveable and the details humanize it. The bath is perfect--you have the best of both worlds, a clawfoot for baths and a shower for every day.

i might rethink the kitchen, though, unless you really don't plan on cooking. With 1,500 sf, you have an opportunity to do something great, along the lines of your bathroom.

amazing!!

looks like i'm late on to the see through hallway floor jokes

if you really love light all the new condos popping up seem to be all windows, they struggle to get curtains fast enough to have some privacy

its an interesting place - looking forward to seeing it finished and everything put away...

Re: Glass Floors
I've always liked the idea of a glass floor - but as anyone can see here, it's the upstairs hallway between his bedroom and the study: folks shouldn't be up there during a party.

As far as the questioner wondering if it would support a bed: Have you ever looked at the underside of a bed (or other furniture?) Bad idea...

That plex. glass floor will look like crap over time---unless you never wear shoes when walking on it. I think a frosted or textured flloor would of worked for the light just as well---but not the artwork effect I guess.
Do away with closets that have no doors on them---I sure hope that trend does not carry on much longer. I really hate it when a person has to walk through a walk in closet to get to a bathroom in some homes.

Thanks for all your comments. After living here for 5 years I can say whole heartily that I truly love the house and the neighborhood. I can also report that the duplex is well suited for a couple. The brownstone details (stoop to sip coffee on, original plaster work, curving stairwell and main skylight, beautiful room proportions and fireplaces) coupled with my modifications allowing more light flow (translucent walkway, transom and skylights, and, open shower on the top floor) work well to create a warm cozy atmosphere and practical living space. Additionally, brownstones are very flexible. Currently, it is split into two duplexes and the tenants help pay the mortgage. With a family, it could also easily be redistributed into a triplex and single floor rental or a single-family home. Having a space to work with creatively was gratifying and educational.

To those worried about the nature of the Fort Greene historical district I can only say that there are many marvelous reconstructions both on the historic blocks and elsewhere in the neighborhood – there is an annual awe-inspiring open-house tour that is a must to anyone interested in Brownstone Brooklyn. However, these reconstructions can cost more than the house itself and not many can go full out that way. My block is not designated ‘historic’ and contained quite a few gutted drug dens even a decade ago. Much of the detail in my building was already gone long before I moved in. I probably should have qualified my statement from two years ago (“…narrow, dark, claustrophobic, depressing brownstone…”). My house is a narrow 16 footer and was indeed dark. 20-25 footers have more and larger windows that allow 50% more light overall.

Cheers,
Gil