studio arthur casas refurbishes a six story brownstone house in new york

studio arthur casas has updated a historical brownstone in new york with a tastefully pared-back aesthetic. covering six floors, the project respects the original architectural character of the house while inserting modern solutions, including an opulent indoor pool on the underground level. 

the brownstone and its historical architectural façade was preserved throughout the entire design process
all images courtesy of studio arthur casas

the brownstone is a well known architectural style present in new york. these long and narrow townhouses are recognized by their façades clad in brown colored sandstone. this project by studio arthur casas, which was completed in july 2019, consists of the refurbishment of one of these residences. the design seeks to respect the historical character of the architecture while offering a practical and contemporary solution for the distribution of an extensive program over six floors.

the living room floor slab was retracted at the back façade in order to offer more space and a new wide window, which connects the first and second floor

the six floors of the house ended up defining the distribution of the different functions. throughout the levels, all the rooms are designed to maximize the limited natural lighting – guaranteed only through both elevations. on the first floor, there is the kitchen, the office and a backyard with BBQ area. this kitchen, with its black counter and cabinets, is complemented by white panels and woodwork, which bring lightness to the space.

in the dining room, esquadro table by arthur casas and marina chairs by jorge zalszupin show the interest in brazilian identity, along with other furniture and art

the second floor is dedicated to social areas such as the bar, dining room and living room for entertaining guests. as it was impossible to modify the historical front elevation, this floor slab was retracted at the rear to offer more space and a new, wide window, connecting the first and second floor. to provide the family with more intimate spaces, the bedrooms, gym, TV room and outdoor fireplace lounge are placed in the three upper floors.

the second floor is dedicated to social areas such as the living room with fireplace, bar and the dining room for entertaining guests

the interior decor has neutral shades in contrast to the dark brownstone outside. the oak flooring of the upper levels brings softness, while limestone in warm shades and fabrics and furniture in earthy tones make a subtle reference to colors found in the middle east – the owner’s homeland. the clients asked for a closed carpentry, with clean lines and few decorative objects, valuing a minimalist aesthetic. the interest in brazilian identity is also noted by a selection of furniture pieces – many of which designed by arthur casas – and works of art.

the backyard BBQ area that connects to the kitchen and dining space

the project’s highlight is the indoor pool, placed in the underground floor. the natural lighting, guaranteed by a skylight, offers drama while also dividing the space with a warehouse and technical areas. to complement the skylight, lighting coves and linear built-in lights are employed to enhance the geometric design of the wooden bench, a strategy repeated throughout the residence.

a brick wall is exposed inside the dining area, bringing warmth to the space

with its black counter and cabinets, this kitchen differs from the usual studio’s light tones

contrasting to this dark atmosphere, off-white cabinetry brings lightness to the environment

the project has a practical and contemporary sectorization of an extensive program over 6 floors – at the ground entrance, a mudroom is next to the stairs

wooden surfaces bring warm earthy tones – a subtle reference to the middle east (the owner’s homeland)

avorio limestone on the walls and floor

the project’s highlight is the indoor pool, placed in the underground floor with natural lighting guaranteed by a skylight

the decor has neutral shades contrasting to the dark façade, with oak flooring of the upper levels bringing softness – a 1970s pierre paulin chair graces the master suite

bathroom and master suite are visually connected by a glass panel; corian soaking tub stands out at the open bath

the office – a work space near the ground floor entrance

project info:

project name: brownstone house

location: new york, the US

design: studio arthur casas

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom