Multifamily Residential Townhouse
New Construction 4,800 SF

Located within the Bedford-Stuyvesant Historic District in Brooklyn, Halsey Street Townhouse is a new four unit townhouse condominium designed to align carefully with the scale and rhythm of the histoirc street while introducing a contemporary interpretation on the masonry tradition. The street wall maintains the established cornice height and front façade alignment of the block, with a setback at the top floor.

The building is divided into four distinct residences, allowing for a diverse mix of unit types: a one-bedroom apartment, a duplex two-bedroom, and two full-floor 2 bedroom through units. This variation creates a layered residential condition within the familiar townhouse form, balancing individuality and coherence.

The façade explores a modern reading of Brooklyn brick architecture through restrained detailing and a clear expression of modular proportion. Rather than relying on applied ornament, the design emphasizes the discipline of the brick coursing, depth at openings, and the careful modulation of void and solid. The result is a calm, contemporary elevation that remains grounded in the material language of the historic district.

Landmark height limitations required a more compact vertical envelope, leading to an extended floor plate to recover allowable floor area. This introduced challenges related to daylight and interior depth. In response, the rear façade is composed of large punched openings that draw light deep into the plan, while generous rear glazing and outdoor terraces create moments of relief and connection to the exterior. Roof and rear decks provide private outdoor space for the residences, extending the living areas beyond the envelope.

As with much of our residential work in Brooklyn, the project seeks to balance contextual responsibility with spatial generosity using material honesty, light, and proportion to create homes that are rooted to their site while remaining engaged with the present moment.