Watermark House by BAAO Architects

Architect: BAAO Architects
Location: Brooklyn, USA
Year: 2019
Area: 2,500 sq.ft.
Principal Architect: Alexandra Barker
General Contractor: Mark Chan, GTN Construction
Structural Engineer: Albanna Engineers Expediter: Philip Ferrara
Consultant: Ginette Dean
Photography: Francis Dzikowski/OTTO

From the architect: This semi-attached brick townhouse had a dark garden level that didn’t take advantage of its three exposures. The parlor floor was also painted in dark tones and had not been updated in more than 50 years. The beautiful stair, pocket doors, and fireplace mantel were the only intact details worth saving.

The clients have a relationship with Watermark Designs plumbing fixtures based in Brooklyn, New York, and the kitchen and bathrooms were designed to be the showpieces of the renovated spaces. The garden level was completely opened up. A new entry vestibule lined in porcelain tiles that step into the living spaces directs the view toward the kitchen in the center of the floor.

The kitchen features a 13’ island and five-foot stainless steel sink. Porcelain wraps the counter and extends onto the floor around the custom white oak and painted cabinetry. A green tile backsplash provides a pop of color. An office and pantry are accessed up a step to the left of the kitchen, off of the dining room at the front.  The living room at the back opens out onto the garden through arched windows at the back and a patio door to the side yard. More custom millwork frames the tv and conceals a coffee station. A black and white tiled powder room features an antique brass pedestal sink.

Upstairs, the parlor level has been converted into the master suite. A sitting room at the front is accessed through the original parlor doors.  Cement tiles surround the original mantel. The master bedroom overlooks the rear yard. A porcelain-lined bathroom with steam shower and freestanding tub also features a custom vanity. 

The top floor is set up for the couple’s two sons and daughter. The boys have a jack and jack style bathroom with access from each of their rooms, while the daughter’s bathroom has a vaulted ceiling.  Each bedroom features fun paint and wallpaper touches.

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