Clinton Hill Carriage House & Artist Studio

Project Overview

This Clinton Hill carriage house renovation transformed a historic structure into a modern living space with a dedicated artist studio. The project preserved the building's 19th-century character while adapting it to meet the specific needs of the artist-owner, creating a harmonious balance between residential comfort and creative workspace.

The Challenge

Renovating this historic carriage house involved major structural work to open up the rear facade for an artist's studio with a building-wide skylight. The project required significant engineering solutions while preserving the building's architectural heritage. We faced complex challenges contending with new utility connections and implementing specialized HVAC systems for environmental containment of paint fumes. The dual-purpose residential and studio space demanded careful planning to balance aesthetic considerations with practical functionality. Completed over a 14-month period, the project navigated both technical complexities and the need to maintain the structure's historic character.

Our Solution

Our team collaborated with preservation specialists and the artist-owner to create a thoughtful renovation: - Preserved and restored the original brick façade and key architectural elements - Reinforced the structure while maintaining historic character - Designed a flexible artist studio with optimal natural and task lighting - Installed specialized ventilation systems for art materials - Created custom storage solutions for art supplies and works - Integrated modern systems discretely within the historic structure - Designed living spaces that complement the building's industrial past

Results

The completed Clinton Hill Carriage House combines historic charm with functional studio space: - Light-filled artist studio with north-facing skylights - Flexible living areas that transition between residential and creative use - Preserved historic details including exposed brick and timber elements - Energy-efficient systems that respect the building's original character - Seamless indoor-outdoor connection to a private garden workspace This project showcases CooperBuild's ability to honor architectural heritage while creating specialized spaces that meet the unique needs of creative professionals.