A Connected Town House by Studio DB

A Connected Town House

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When Studio DB was still just a small firm, with a few compact urban renovations in its portfolio, the owners of this house liked what they saw, enough to entrust us to design our first large-scale project—a complete five-story town house in downtown Manhattan. Located on a beautiful cobblestone street and graced with a traditional cast-iron and brick facade, the 1920 building had a lot going for it. But when it had been converted from a commercial building to a residence years earlier, we felt some opportunities had been missed. With the help of one of our favorite builders and our network of craftspeople, we completely opened up the house by giving it an extensive new steel structure, including a steel staircase with a rolled-edge handrail and treads made from individual pieces of reclaimed teak and metal laminated together. On the top floor, we put a glass walkway over joists so sunlight can flood down the stairwell into the entire structure. These changes make the home feel like one continuous space. Of course, we were just as focused on the smaller details and gave the home personality, with elements such as wallpaper based on an antique map of New York Harbor, children’s rooms with concealed doors that allowed the spaces to connect, and a roof terrace with a sofa hung from a pergola on ropes, an urban porch swing.

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Professional Reviews

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“I have worked with StudioDB on several large projects including two gut renovations (of a 4000sq.ft. downtown loft and a 7000sq.ft. townhouse), as well as the conversion of a once derelict 8000sq.ft. yard into a vibrant, beautiful playground at a public hospital in the Bronx. The latter project was a largely philanthropic effort which was completed thanks to extreme generosity of StudioDB's time and spirit. I am THRILLED with all of Studio DB's work. Britt and Damian are an incredible design duo: brilliant, pragmatic, wildly creative and fun! They bring deep experience and indefatigable enthusiasm to every aspect of the design and renovation process. Damian is calm in the storm, unflappable and meets the unexpected hiccup with grace and ease. He worked within my budget and steered me in the right direction about where I needed to spend and where I could save. Damian approaches structural conundrums as an opportunity for creative problem solving. He relishes an architectural challenge seems to have an endless supply of patience and good humor even in the most frustrating of circumstances. Britt brings the spaces to life with her outstanding eye and creativity. Her design sensibility is a rare combination of playfulness and elegance. She goes the extra mile to source materials both new and old from unexpected vendors and places, rendering each space unique. She works tirelessly to get each room right and to ensure that the each space and choice plays well with the others. Britt and Damian (and all of the designers and staff at Studio DB) are a JOY to work with. They encouraged my good ideas and - more importantly - saved me from all sorts of terrible decisions!! I learned so much from the whole process. I could not recommend StudioDB more highly. They are the consummate dream team!!”