design

Nikki and her mom can enjoy one another's company in the kitchen after a short walk across the garden.

"The plaster's imperfections are part of what gives the house its unique character, in the same way the concrete floor shows swirls and the timber has natural knotting,

The bathroom's shower is wheelchair accessible, if needed.

"We meticulously plan for how light affects spaces. We model the spaces and test the different lighting throughout the day,

The owners wanted a pair of stairs leading to the bedrooms.

The living room is right off the kitchen, and has views of the garden.

The overhead windows cast light and shadows above the kitchen, which is lined in lower drawers for easy access.

Polished concrete floors and pale clay plaster on the walls were used throughout the kitchen and living spaces.

An armchair crafted by Nelson’s longtime assistant, Max Schulz, and all the built-ins match. “I like to try to maintain a consistent aesthetic,” says Nelson. A wood stove by Cubic Mini Wood Stoves warms the enclosed, weather-tight section of the structure, and a ladder that mirrors the cant of the wall leads to a lofted nook.

Glass folding doors from Panoramic Doors reach nine-and-a-half feet high to open the kitchen to the courtyard. “It's such a unique feature, especially in Brooklyn,” says Slocum. “You rarely ever see that type of thing.”

Two existing bathrooms became one, with a pocket door now separating the toilet from the shower.

The main living area is on the second floor in an open double-height space where the ceiling peaks at 15 feet under an angled roof. It contains an airy kitchen/dining area and a living room. A hallway leads to the primary bedroom, and a loft contains a bedroom for their kids. The ground floor has an apartment they rent to local teachers.

Exterior view

Backyard view

The primary bath has large slabs of porcelain tiles made to look like veined marble, which cost much less than real stone. The seamless concrete floor flows into the curb-less shower for access. There is in-wall storage on the left, and the sink and countertop are made of seamless Corian. The wood door pockets away.

One of the smaller bedrooms is now configured as Roberta’s office. For easier access, the room has no door. Floor to ceiling storage can be opened using an app on her phone so she can easily access what’s inside.

A kitchenette with Semihandmade cabinetry, floating shelves from Shelfology, and quartz counters is tucked into an arched alcove.

This room can be a family room, office, or guest suite. The flooring is the same throughout: Riva Floors, Engineered Wood Select Grade, in Crystal Thunder, and the couch is from Restoration Hardware. Unseen is the foosball and ping pong tables.