Annabelle Selldorf - Clinton Hill Townhouse
A recurring theme in Brooklyn townhouse renovations is finding innovative strategies to amplify natural light coming into the home. In this 45’ deep Clinton Hill townhouse, owned by artist Julia von Eichel and her husband Alex Vlack these strategies have been concentrated on the lowest and darkest area, the garden level. The couple owns four floors, but the design by Annabelle Selldorf, executed by Lauren Wegel was limited to the first two floors. The parlor level functions as a studio, central in the home but relatively modest in architectural intervention. On the garden level however, the floor has been opened up to create a loft-like space that houses kitchen, dining and a communal area with served spaces to the side. A large window, inspired by the Noguchi museum brings light in from the garden. The grey limestone floor, a beautiful and pragmatic solution for this functional space is contrasted by white walls, white reflective cabinetry and white appliances. The ceiling beams are exposed to raise the ceiling, all cabinetry is kept low to heighten the effect. I love this use of contrast to strengthen a concept of openness, lightness and a connection to nature.
Architecture by Lauren Wegel and Annabelle Selldorf
Photography (parlor level) by jason schmidt
Photography (garden level) through remodelista
