Bohemian-Urban Little House, Big City

So SATORI & SCOUT have finally found our favourite ever home. We're officially done, thank you and goodbye. Located in Brooklyn of New York City (USA), this renovated townhouse titled Little House, Big City is a home that has not just been made larger, but also entirely livelier, filled with possibilities and comfort to allow the homeowners to stay longer in a city that requires its residents to be continually resourceful.

The owners of this 11-foot-wide townhouse in Brooklyn were faced with the ever-present conundrum that many young families in New York eventually confront at some point in time, the inevitability of requiring to sacrifice location for space. After living in the house for eight years, the homeowner pair chose to expand in order to make room for their two growing children and to remain in the Brooklyn neighbourhood required clever planning and design. Designed by Office of Architecture, the original two-story, 1000 square foot home was entirely gutted to allow room for its new four-storey replacement. The narrowness of the house required the design to make effective yet frugal use of space where every inch was important.

The precise positioning of walls, doors and windows was crucial as each floor was planned to serve a set purpose. With the entryway, storage and laundry area located on the ground floor, first floor boasting an open-plan living and dining area, second floor having two children's bedrooms and bathroom, and the top-floor featuring a master bedroom with a bathroom and an accompanying balcony terrace, every floor is perfectly connected via a slender steel staircase that has been strategically positioned on the south side to draws more light, air, and views into the building. Using modest and natural materials throughout, the rawness of unfinished steel and character-grade walnut is juxtaposed with the simple refinement of honed Carrara marble and matte ceramic hex tiles. Perfect.

Discover more about the architects online at: OA-NY.com