Project Description
“There are a lot more hoops to jump through in terms of materials used to build it and that commands a lot of effort, but the Landmarks Commission is more readily into approving projects like these that emulate the past and are sensitive to working well within the context of the community.”
DRPILLA provided structural, civil, and geotechnical engineering design services for the seamlessly integrated new construction of three row houses and a carriage house in the historic Cobble Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn. Built on a previously vacant lot, each row house comprises four stories with 3,800 square feet of floor area designed to embrace old charm characteristics with modern finishes.
CLIENT
Brennan Realty
LOCATION
Brooklyn, NY
SERVICES
Structural Engineering
Site / Civil Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering
COMPLETION
2014
Old Meets New
Since the surrounding townhomes were constructed in the late 1800’s, the project team was given the rare opportunity to design a ground-up building in a neighborhood that has changed little in the last 100 years. Integrating the new buildings into the neighborhood fabric was a key element of the project. Built in a traditional manner, the exterior walls comprise true unreinforced multi-wythe clay masonry construction. Rather than using a reinforced concrete block back up wall with a brick veneer, which is the contemporary method of construction, the architectural design required a traditional assembly method. DRPILLA analyzed and designed the buildings to meet current building codes while incorporating traditional wall systems with current contemporary floor assembly systems.
Award Winning Design
In 2015, the project won a Bronze Brick in Architecture Award which honors outstanding, innovative and sustainable design incorporating brick as the predominant exterior building material.
Award Winning Design
In 2015, the project won a Bronze Brick in Architecture Award which honors outstanding, innovative and sustainable design incorporating brick as the predominant exterior building material.
