Modern Brooklyn Townhouse

At a Glance

Private Client
1,000 SF
Brooklyn Heights
2022

This lush garden in the heart of Brooklyn Heights merges modern detailing with an affinity for classical forms. As part of a complete renovation of a historic townhouse in this landmarked neighborhood, the rear garden presents an opportunity to reflect our client’s modern sensibilities while balancing the practicality and historicism inherent in the home’s surroundings.

Truly a ground-up renovation, the new design features entirely new selections for everything from hardscape to plant palette. Special care was taken to ensure precision in the intersection of locally sourced limestone, reclaimed brick, and the zinc edging that defines pathways and borders. The seamless integration of craft and customization is on display in the use of mitered stone steps, gently guiding visitors up to each successive tier. Although the total rise from front to back is only 30 inches, the experience of slowly ascending is paramount in separating spaces by use while maintaining a sense of both privacy and exploration.

Within each plant bed is a separate composition, always emphasizing the seasonality and durability of native plants. A specimen Magnolia virginiana punctuates the view from the garden-level kitchen, while three upright Hornbeam serve as a natural division between dining and living areas.

Handcrafted Belgian vessels embody the intersection of tradition and innovation, enriching the garden with a sense of artisanal authenticity. Like all textures in this garden, the pottery will take on its own character over time, imbuing the garden with a sense of age and timelessness.

Collaborator

TAFFERA INC.
TERRAFORM NY

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

This lush garden in the heart of Brooklyn Heights merges modern detailing with an affinity for classical forms. Truly a ground-up renovation, the new design features completely new selections for everything from hardscape to plant palette.

The seamless integration of craft and customization is on display in the use of mitered stone steps, gently guiding visitors up to each successive tier. Although the total rise from front to back is only 30 inches, the experience of slowly rising is paramount to separating spaces by use, while maintaining sense of both privacy and exploration

Within each plant bed is a separate composition, always emphasizing the seasonality and durability of native plants. A specimen Magnolia virginiana punctuates the view from the garden-level kitchen. While three upright Hornbeam serve as a natural division between dining and living areas. Handcrafted Belgian vessels embody the intersection of tradition and innovation, enriching the garden with a sense of artisanal authenticity.

Specimen Magnolia

This flowering tree punctuates a simple bed of native grasses

Danish Pottery

Hand-made pottery from Denmark provides a neutral backdrop, while adding texture

Intersecting Materials

Local limestone, galvanized edging, and reclaimed brick all elegantly intersect at various points.