SKOLNICK turns an 1830s townhouse into a light-filled 'vertical loft' in NYC

in the heart of new york city‘s greenwich village, SKOLNICK architecture + design partnership  has transformed an 1830s townhouse into a bright and capacious dwelling. conceived as a ‘vertical loft’, the renovation preserves the original masonry façade but carves out a new world inside, one which prioritizes light, space and openness. 

dining area that opens onto the rear garden

images courtesy of SKOLNICK architecture + design partnership

the historic federal style façade was carefully retained during construction, as were a majority of the existing interior floor plates. behind this masonry face, SKOLNICK opened up the more traditionally compartmentalized building to create a series of spaces uniquely suited to the lives, everyday experiences, and sensibilities of the inhabitants. the design team also brought natural light into the five storys through the use of skylights, double-height spaces and ceiling voids. the result is a spacious haven that feels a million miles away from the buzzing metropolis of NYC.

the rear garden

helping to create this bright and airy dwelling is the dramatic four-story wall of glass that clads the rear elevation. in addition to bathing the interiors in light, the glass also affords tranquil views of greenery and extends the internal living spaces outside. by carving out the earth at the garden level of the house, SKOLNICK created a seamless connection to the rear terrace. on the roof, they also inserted a new penthouse space that similarly connects to a terrace garden.

the double-height ceiling and voids make for a light-filled space

front parlor

master bedroom

ensuite shower room to the master bedroom

office

floating staircase

the treads create a beautiful display of light and shadow

detail of the stair treads

stair skylight

roof terrace

rear façade

project info:

name: vertical loft

location: greenwich village, new york city, NY, the US

architect: SKOLNICK architecture + design partnership

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edited by: lynne myers | designboom