Architecture group Light and Air recently completed the renovation and redesign of a classic Brooklyn row house that was originally built in the 1880s.
The design team turned the house into a 'Switchback' house -- a contemporary style of urban living that opens up and inverts the traditional row house style by replacing a stacked staircase with a switchback staircase, inserting a skylight at the top to add stair volume. The existing brownstone was rundown, needing to be completely renovated and have an entirely new floorplan created.
Light and Air added large windows to the dark Brooklyn row house, as well as a clean white color scheme to give the illusion that it is much bigger than it really is.
Image CreditL Kevin Kunstadt
Renovated Contemporary Row Houses
Light and Air Redesigned a Classic 1880s Brooklyn Row House
Trend Themes
1. Switchback Houses - The development of a new style of urban living that inverts the traditional row house style by replacing stacked staircases with switchback staircases presents opportunities for architects and construction companies.
2. Light-filled Homes - A trend towards adding large windows and skylights in order to maximize natural light in homes presents opportunities for companies that manufacture energy-efficient and sustainable windows, as well as for construction firms that specialize in eco-friendly practices.
3. Modernizing Historic Homes - The renovation and redesign of historic homes using contemporary design principles presents a unique opportunity for architects and designers to blend the old and new, while retaining the character and charm of the original property.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architecture firms can capitalize on the trend towards modernizing historic homes by offering renovation and redesign services that blend traditional and contemporary design principles.
2. Construction - The development of new styles of urban living presents opportunities for construction firms to specialize in building unique and innovative homes that stand out in a crowded market.
3. Window Manufacturing - As there is an increasing trend towards maximizing natural light in homes, companies that manufacture energy-efficient and sustainable windows have a unique opportunity to provide a product that meets this need.