Prospect Heights Solar in Brooklyn by CWB Architects

Article source: CWB Architects

Located in the Prospect Heights Historic District of Brooklyn, this late 19th century structure was suffering from old age and a general lack of upkeep. A gut renovation of the entire building was required to convert the aging building into a single family home for the new owners with a rental unit at the garden level. Although mostly new, many details original to the house were salvaged, restored and reused throughout the renovation with an overall contemporary aesthetic.

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

• Architects: CWB Architects
• Project: Prospect Heights Solar
• Location: Brooklyn, U.S.A
• Photography: Francis Dzikowski

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

Sunlight finds its way into almost every corner of the home through strategically placed skylights and an interior light well. The stair hall, typically the darkest space in these types of rowhouses, is transformed into a light diffusing tower by replacing the wood floor with walkable glass panels. This repeats from the parlor floor up, culminating in a ceiling punched with two skylights, specifically designed to bounce light down into the spaces below. The Master Bedroom is illuminated by the interior light well which spans 2 stories up to the roof. A sunroom at the extension benefits from direct southern exposure through a restored bay window and new skylight.

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

In addition to their modern aesthetic, the Owners have a proclivity for environmentally friendly architecture. To help reduce the carbon footprint, a new green roof was installed at the extension in addition to a solar PV array at the main roof. This system reduces the electrical load by up to 80% in sunny periods throughout the year.

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

Image Courtesy © Francis Dzikowski

Tags: Brooklyn, U.S.A.

Category: Apartments

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