The Martin Residence is a brownstone located in Brooklyn, NY. It is an 1890’s structure that underwent an extensive renovation and now houses a family of three and also contains a one bedroom rental unit.

Before the renovation the house was in a state of neglect yet the historic detail was intact. Select details were retained but the majority of the old, dark woodwork and layout was removed to create a light-filled, flexible environment for living, entertaining and the creation of art. The mechanicals of the building were replaced and the house now has central air-conditioning and a high-efficiency gas boiler supplying radiator heat throughout the house.

The Cellar Level contains the mechanicals for the building, a cedar-lined closet, a wine cellar and an art studio including a claw foot tub used for fabric dying for the owner who is a sculptor and textile designer. The Garden Level contains a rental apartment and a powder room accessible only to the owners. All walls were removed on the Parlor Level to create an open living / dining / kitchen. The wood floor was replaced with a bright poured cement plaster floor. The original wood closet in the rear room was retrofitted to contain the kitchen cupboard, professional gas range and refrigerator. The Second Level was completely gutted to provide an open Master Suite with an open bathing area in the study. The private bathroom facilities are enclosed behind the tub in a separate room. The Third Level contains two bedrooms, a children’s bath and the laundry area.

Plans at left:
Third Floor
1 bedroom 2 bedroom 3 bathroom 4 laundry
Second Floor
1 master bedroom 2 dressing room 3 open bathroom / study 4 bathroom
Parlor
1 living 2 dining 3 kitchen