Favorites

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.”

The one element the couple wanted to emulate from their time living in California was the ability to add in more opportunities for indoor/outdoor living. “Living in Manhattan Beach, we would be obsessed about some of the houses on the strand near the beach that would just have these massive rooftop decks,” says Derek. “Since this lot offers beautiful mountain views, the rooftop deck is a great way to be outside and maximize those views.”

Today, as in the 1970s, the central courtyard is an oasis within the city. Along with a pool, the area is also home to a market-centric restaurant. For architect Javier Sanchez of JSa Arquitectura, the transformation from motel to (boutique) hotel began with "urban-archeological work," as his team researched the structure's past lives. Digging through decades' worth of renovations, and, virtually, through Google Images, they found inspiration in the relaxed poolside glamour of the interior courtyard in its heyday—then updated it by losing dated touches like the AstroTurf patio and by streamlining the swimming pool into a modern, glass-edged refuge.

The asymmetrical shape and tilted lines reinforce the impression that the cabins are capsized ships.

A Murphy bed concealed in a first-floor wall provides an extra sleeping space.

“The morning light is amazing. From our kitchen window we can see the sun rising over the poplars along the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal,” says architect and resident Farah Agarwal.

The bold use of color continues with a blue sofa from Fest and a multicolor rug from Pols Potten.

Inside, the living areas flow around a green box that contains the kitchen and a full bath.

The home’s Alaskan yellow cedar siding and copper roof will weather and change color over time. “It’s cool to think that in 10 or 20 years, it will be a silver house with a green roof,” says Drew.

a table by local workshop Chuch Estudio and Harry Bertoia side chairs.

From lighting to plumbing, here’s what you should know before you start your next update.

Joshua uses a signed Tizio Lamp by Richard Sapper both for work and relaxation. “I love being able to pull it from my desk all the way over my bed,” he says. “That’s something I could only do in a room this small.”

In the back bedroom, the custom queen bed lifts up to reveal storage underneath.

The spacious, central living area looks out on a bucolic landscape.