Narrow Townhouse
Narrow Townhouse transforms an abandoned rowhouse in Gowanus, Brooklyn into a two‑family home for a local couple choosing to live smaller and more intentionally. Working within the tight confines of an 180‑year‑old structure, we shaped rooms that are quiet, efficient, and generous where it counts.
What began as a straightforward renovation became a study in doing more with less. Tight width, constrained daylight, and an aging shell set the brief. We renewed the envelope and reorganized the interiors around light, storage, and daily rituals. A restrained, dark‑toned brick re‑faces the street; coal‑colored window trim and a minimal contemporary cornice complete the composition. Inside, a muted palette defers to the owners’ art and the craft of the built‑ins.
Throughout, custom millwork turns constraints into assets for living. The kitchen island doubles as serving bar and prep surface; pocketed storage keeps sightlines clear. Built‑in closets and concealed cabinetry stitch circulation to program, expanding rooms without expanding footprint. Select structural interventions reinforce the original frame and provide new anchorage for millwork—including the walk‑in closets and kitchen runs.
Materially, the house is calm and practical. Dark brick with coal‑colored trim unifies the street face; inside, soft neutrals form a backdrop for cooking, gathering, and hanging art. The intent was to let the narrowness disappear in use: rooms read larger, transitions are simplified, storage is always at hand, and sunlight threads through the plan.
The result is understated and balanced—an old shell given new life through careful detailing, and a small footprint made generous through discipline. A quiet instrument for everyday living: places to cook and entertain, spaces to stow and display, and moments of reflection within the cadence of a Brooklyn rowhouse.
General Contractor: JKO Construction
Kitchen Consultant: German Kitchen Center
Closets & Cabinetry: NYC Custom Millwork
Finishes: Donovan Paul Finish
Photography: Em Joseph / Joseph Joseph Studio