Greek Revival Brownstone
Project - Greek Revival Brownstone
Location - Chelsea, NYC
Product Used - HW16004 Alabastro
Architect - Rauch Architecture
Contractor - Edona Selimaj at QTC Consulting
Photographer - Matthew Rauch
Located on a historic block in one of the NYC’s earliest planned landmarked neighborhoods, Chelsea, this renovation involved the combination of two units into a duplex apartment inside an 1830s Greek Revival brownstone. The goal was to create a cohesive, modern living space while preserving the architectural essence of the property.
In the living areas, we enhanced the sense of openness by integrating the living, dining, and cooking spaces. Large, energy-efficient windows were installed to draw in natural light and offer views of the Chelsea streets, thus brightening the space and creating a connection with the exterior urban landscape. When selecting flooring, Rauch gravitated towards a lighter herringbone pattern that strategically directs attention toward the expansive windows, framing the picturesque scenes of Chelsea. In harmony with the historic ambiance of the neighborhood, the clients sought a clean and minimalist interior aesthetic. Alabastro emerged as the perfect choice for the brownstone, as its subtle platinum undertones beautifully complement the incoming natural light, resulting in an airy and open living environment.
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The stairs were redesigned to fit in with both the minimal aesthetics of the space and the historical detailing of the exterior. "We used a simple round oval profile for the handrail and tapered “candlestick” balustrade, but ensured that the geometry of the stair featured a continuous elegant “sweep” to carry the historical language from the main floor to the upper level."
A key feature of our design strategy was the use of “trimless” doors and minimal detailing throughout the apartment. This approach not only complements the modern aesthetic but also enhances the visual flow of the space. Rather than trying to replicate the original moldings and trim, we wanted to introduce a more streamlined, contemporary aesthetic that would not resonate with the historical exterior, and not fight with it.
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