EMPIRE ENGINE FIREHOUSE

Empire Engine firehouse is a holdout from a bygone era, surrounded by some of the fastest-changing residential blocks in Brooklyn.

We collaborated with Julian LaVerdiere and Erica Hohf, owners and designers, to craft an architectural expression of their curated design ideas and concepts, amplifying the history of the place.

The project began with structural stabilization of the building and preservation of the historic facade, then a full commercial and residential renovation. The residence is topped with a formal roof garden and hardscape of serpentine pavers and water features, including a flooded structural glass skylight and Japanese soaking tub.

The design is a reflection on symmetry and contrast, incorporating art from the owner’s collection and influences from their personal work and travels. The garden expresses the integrity of the structural system and the sensory qualities of natural materials, bringing light into the shadows.

Photos: Amy Barkow