Brooklyn House by the Sea
2743 Whitman Drive – Brooklyn, NY
Designing a “dream home” within your own backyard!
Recently, a couple approached us after a year of looking for the ideal waterfront property as a 2nd home in Miami. Their weekly commute from Brooklyn was becoming tedious and their search became futile. Then a site became available directly behind their existing house in Mill Basin.
They seized the opportunity, acquired the property forming a double lot, with adjoining backyards. This allowed us to create their ideal “summer retreat” complete with luxurious wellness amenities and sustainable features, right in their own backyard.
Central to the design of this “healthy home” is a fitness room on the lower-level, with a backyard jetted pool, providing a therapeutic hydrotherapy massage after a rigorous work-out. Adjacent to the pool, we designed a cozy fire pit offering warmth and ambiance, as the couple entertains all summer long. An open outdoor kitchen encourages festive summer barbecues. Architecturally the rear façade has floor to ceiling glass, maximizing their interaction with the rear yard. A sculptural stair links the upper-level viewing deck to the rear-yard and a game room that completely opens up with a sliding glass wall panels, providing a seamless connection between inside and outside.
Personal + environmental sustainability was a key design consideration. Solar panels on the roof generate enough power to supply the entire home and charge two electric vehicles in the garage, ensuring a reduced carbon footprint. We designed a green roof, which provides insulation, reduces energy consumption and designed a rainfall collection system that provides watering for the back- yard landscape.
The second floor features a lofted-out plan with a rear yard overlook and a spacious balcony, providing stunning views of the backyard oasis. Inside, we used recycled wood floors with radiant heat, adding warmth and character. In the 2-bedrooms, accent walls of recycled wood planks create a rustic, yet cozy feel. This commitment to sustainable materials reflects the couple’s dedication to eco-sensitive living.
The master bathroom includes a deep steeping tub for relaxing evening soaks and an ‘experiential shower’ for a spa-like bathing. These healthy amenities provide a rejuvenating escape within the urban setting. By incorporating wellness amenities, sustainable features, and innovative design elements, we created a “dream home” that suits the couple’s lifestyle and values. This ultimate retreat offers a luxurious, relaxing environment while reflecting a commitment to sustainability and modern living.
New York City
New York City