Paulus Hook Brownstone

Innovative Restoration for a Growing Family

From a 160 year old structure, came a smart home dream. This 25-ft wide townhouse sits at the crest of the Paulus Hook historic district. It looks out over the Hudson River. The fintech-industry owner appointed Agencie to restore and rejuvenate the property.

The house has to work for a growing family, so we conceived a 3-storey rear yard extension. After designing a steel moment frame, and stabilizing and repairing the existing brick shell and wood floors, we blew out the back wall of the structure. The expansive layout gave space for much more than the basics. A home theater, playroom, guest suite, spa, and second master suite were all added.

Incorporating a smart home system was an integral part of the brief. Seamless and personalized, it uses Crestron technology to automate climate, LED lighting, and shading. In the home theater, a Zero G screen, projector, subwoofer, and surround sound with overlapping components create a fully immersive experience. Completely concealed, the system is responsive to touch and the client’s voice. Integrating architectural design and engineering has prepared a property rich in history for a bright future.