Name: Gil
Location: Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Size: 1500 sqft
Favorite: The shower and the transom in the master bathroom
"I said to my contractor, 'I want to feel like I am taking a shower outside'." Gil, a dumbek player, photographer, and computer consultant uses his gut, and his insatiable desire for light as the two guiding principles in the redesign and renovation of the top two floors of what he refers to as "a once narrow, dark, claustrophobic, depressing brownstone, like many such buildings in Brooklyn."
To address the brownstone's darkness, Gil and a legion of local artists who moonlight as plumbers, contractors, and finish carpenters started at the top of the building--literally on the roof--and through the use of skylights, transoms, and transparent walkways, have begun to transform the space.
Overzealousness on the light front, as well as the penchant for experimentation, led to the occasional costly mistake. Gil is not deterred, however. Such a huge undertaking is always an expensive learning experience. Next time, he will know not to make the skylight so big, or to slope the skylight more when installing it.
Although not overt, an Eastern influence reveals itself amidst the renovated spaces. Gil's contractor prefers stark, modern, and minimalist (which can trace its way back to the East), while Gil leans toward Eastern theory and materiality. Their collaboration, most clearly evident in the bathroom, aims for a light drenched serenity.
The clawfoot bathtub and the exposed brick don't exactly follow in the simplicity vein, and when I asked Gil about them he said, "I don't say, let's just do this style and follow these rules of conduct. I do what I like." Gil has wanted a clawfoot tub since he moved to the United States and now he has one. He wanted a giant bathroom, and now he has one. He wanted as much light as possible, and now he has it. On a gray day in February, utilizing no electricity, Gil's space was awash in light, everywhere, and it was wonderful.
Ashley & Kyle's Personality Packed Home 
Aftermarket Resources for Customizing IKEA Furniture 
Like us on Facebook
RSS Feed (Atom)
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Elfa Decor Shelving
12 Recipes to Know By Heart
How To Make Cake Pops
Comments (9)
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…â€). 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