An 1870s Clinton Hill carriage house, rebuilt to Passive House standards, asks $7.5M
Photo credit: Frank Frances
This one-of-a-kind townhouse at 329 Vanderbilt Avenue on the border between Clinton Hill and Fort Greene, Brooklyn, is a showcase of innovative architecture and peerless modern design, undertaken by architecture firm Schiller Projects. The directive: re-imagining an 1870s carriage house with a focus on sustainability, design, and efficient engineering, in accordance with Passive House standards. The result is Brooklyn’s first mass timber single-family residence, currently asking $7,500,000.
As Brownstoner reports, the carriage house in its previous–and less-than-noteworthy–form was asking $3.95 million in 2016; it finally sold for $2.75 million in 2018. The unassuming collection of nondescript rental apartments has come a long way; in its newest life behind a perfectly restored facade, the carriage house features a garage with a curb cut, an interior atrium, and a landscaped roof terrace with views of the Gothic cathedral next door.
The project cost $2 million and wrapped up at the beginning of the year, according to the New York Times.
The home’s entry-level starts with a private garage that opens into the foyer. Inside, the light-filled living space opens beneath soaring ceilings. Bespoke wood-framed sliding glass doors–constructed nearby in the Brooklyn Navy Yard–open onto a spacious backyard, landscaped and ready for seasonal dining and entertaining.
A chic, modern kitchen features wood-fronted cabinetry, blue marble countertops, and Fisher & Paykel appliances. There’s bar seating at the central island, and the adjacent dining area allows for more formal feasts. Daylight pours in from the rear glazing; a thorough installation of semi-recessed ceiling fixtures assures full illumination after hours. There is also a powder room on this floor.
At the core of this stunning home is an indoor atrium planted with mature trees. Surrounding the atrium, a minimal, modern central staircase was constructed from Douglas Fir with details like concealed hardware and slatted wood to allow light to reach all floors. The natural wood stairs perfectly complement mass timber ceilings and recycled wood flooring.
On the second floor of the carriage house, light from massive arched windows, a large skylight, and recessed ceiling fixtures illuminates the living room, framed by original brick walls.
Across from the living room are two bedrooms, each with its own bath. Both chambers overlook the back garden and the brownstones and greenery of the historic neighborhood. This floor also offers a laundry room with storage and a sink.
Up one more flight is a heavenly primary suite; Schiller Projects added this entire level atop the original carriage house to create a private oasis. The suite consists of a sunken indoor sitting area, a huge dressing room, and a luxurious bath with a walk-in shower in addition to the bedroom. Best of all, the bedroom opens out to the home’s stunning roof deck.
From the roof deck, gaze at the stained glass and oxidized copper roof of one of the city’s only Gothic Revival-style cathedrals–and the surrounding Brooklyn neighborhoods. This secluded urban paradise is landscaped on all sides with native plants.
As advanced and innovative as it is, the home’s construction relied heavily on local craftspeople. All custom windows were manufactured nearby at the Brooklyn Navy Yard; wood flooring throughout the home was made from recycled original wood beams by a local Brooklyn millwork facility; and a new lighting system was created specifically for the space by local lighting company Stickbulb.
[Listing details: 329 Vanderbilt Avenue at CityRealty]
[At Compass by Nick Gavin and Allie Fraza]
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