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December 1, 2008

Brooklyn Modern #4: Green, Industrial Wonderland

And now, the final in our mini-series looking at homes featured in Brooklyn Modern by Diana Lind, with photographs by Yoko Inoue. Here's Diana's installment #4:
Susan Boyle and Benton Brown live the dream that probably many Brownstoner readers have only the time to fantasize about. The couple bought a package of industrial buildings in Crown Heights, re-selling a few and keeping two of the most precious to renovate into a green residential loft building and a commercial rental building. Their own duplex apartment sits on the penthouse of the former building and features reclaimed materials throughout. A stunning bookcase is made from timbers found on site, the bathrooms are fitted with vintage fixtures and tubs and sinks, even their bedroom closet's doors are made from former ambulance doors. The buildings were renovated with a 30-year plan in mind — but for now, some eco-friendly aspects such as a green roof that catches rain run-off and tall windows that provide natural light and ventilation are already cutting down the building's already-low environmental impact.




Posted by lisa at 10:30 AM | Comments (20)
Categories: Crown Heights, Interiors

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Comments

I hate people like this. You know, with foresight, a little money and vast amounts of creativity.

That living area is stunning. There's so much great old lumber out there just waiting for a table saw and thickness planer.

No doubt some haters would say, well, it's Crown Heights. That's where these blank-canvas type buildings are, though. East Bushwick, anyone?

Posted by: Bolder at December 1, 2008 10:49 AM

"I hate people like this. You know, with foresight, a little money and vast amounts of creativity."

Bolder - what a great line!

I remember reading an article about them some time ago. I thought it was in the NYT, I could be mistaken.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 1, 2008 10:59 AM

Here it is:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A0CE7D71E3FF931A1575BC0A9629C8B63

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 1, 2008 11:01 AM

I pass this place everytime I take the B65 bus home, and I have always been in awe of their vision and determination to live and develop an area that most people wouldn't touch. I've seen this apartment in other articles, they got lots of press, accolades and awards. I have this book, actually, and love being able to really see what they did. I really like creative reuse, lots of brick and reclaimed wood, added to period details, and quirky personal touches. Kudos.

If you read the article BRG found, it mentions the rest of the area surrounding their house, which is the fabulous old Heinz factory complex on Franklin between Dean and Bergen. I hope the plans for artistic and sensitive development on that site continue. The owners have posted as such, here, and I look forward to seeing progress in the future.

Posted by: Montrose Morris at December 1, 2008 11:20 AM

How is this MODERN?

Posted by: billyboomer at December 1, 2008 11:59 AM

Gee, I dunno, billy. Doesn't DWR sell reproductions of some of those pieces?

Posted by: Heather at December 1, 2008 12:34 PM

"I hate people like this. You know, with foresight, a little money and vast amounts of creativity."

Yeah this is a great line, Could be brownstoner quote of the day!

Posted by: funstraw at December 1, 2008 12:35 PM

"How is this MODERN?"

You're kidding, right.
Well it ain't traditional!!

Although, I would classify this Contemporary.

Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 1, 2008 12:40 PM

How is this modern? I can't think of a pre-modern period to which it belongs. Look at the industrial materials, open shelving, and the general openness and simple lines.

However, the middle photo of the file cabinets doesn't add much. Looks more like the cluttered walls of Buzz-o-rama in Kensington than anything worthy of a design book or magazine.

Posted by: slopefarm at December 1, 2008 12:56 PM

They bought a package of industrial buildings: Of course they had a great sense of foresight, but they also had a great deal of money. Let's not kid ourselves that "a little money and vast amounts of creativity" is the only prerequisites to obtain such a stunning home.

Posted by: Fjorder at December 1, 2008 1:06 PM

I think the "in" phrase is rustic modern or modern barn or something like that.

Posted by: superstooper at December 1, 2008 1:07 PM

Very AvroKO.

Posted by: superstooper at December 1, 2008 1:10 PM

I read the above-referenced article in the Times about this building and ended up living there. My husband and I were among the first tenants of the rental portion, which was designed in a similar style. This was by far the best rental I ever lived in and Susan and Benton were by far the best landlords I ever had. They not only had a vision in terms of green building but good taste. And skills -- what the blurb does not mention is that they acted as their own GC.

Thanks to them also for introducing us to a fantastic neighborhood where we subsequently bought a house and plan to stay for the long haul.

Posted by: supersleuth at December 1, 2008 1:27 PM

I still see nothing Modern about this. Though it ain't French Country either. More like Industrial/Flea Market stuff piled up style. Google Kaufmann Desert House, that is modern.

Posted by: billyboomer at December 1, 2008 1:31 PM

I think you are imnposing a very tight definition on modern. Industrial loft is very modern to me. Perhaps you are meaning to say Bauhaus or International style? But, please continue if you need to...

I too have major lust over this space. While I love my eclectic renovated (not restored) row house, if I were to get a second shot at a renovation, I would definitely prefer something rougher and more industrial. I find the typical row house so restricting, and oddly primitive in its use of space. Hmm, I guess I could go in the other direction and go for some turn of the century four square in Ditmas Park. My kingdom for a butler's pantry...

Posted by: Putnamdenizen at December 1, 2008 1:47 PM

[enter hot butler]

Posted by: SnarkSlope at December 1, 2008 2:16 PM

Whatever you wanna call it, it's %#@%$#ing beautiful. Interior decoration is spot on.

Has anyone found a reasonably priced source for those hospital-type industrial medicine cabinets they've got? Been looking for a while. Has to be somewhere more reasonable than the place on Atlantic.


Posted by: Johnny at December 1, 2008 3:56 PM

I used this (Ice House) as one of entries in my Master's study. S and D were very helpful and I also was in awe of their ability and work ethic...I don't think they actually had a lot of money, beyond being able to buy the buildings. A LOT of sweat equity, the place was a total mess with lots of heavy timbers and junk around.

They actually have a green roof on a sloped surface! Lots of innovative methodology in building materials.

I never followed up on them and wonder if they ever developed anything else as they wanted to...or was this just too much?

Posted by: cmu at December 1, 2008 5:19 PM

Try Two Jakes in Williamsburg, Johnny. Or maybe Moon Chattal.

Posted by: Heather at December 1, 2008 6:55 PM

Any one have or seen any contact information for Susan Boyle or Benton Brown? Interested buyer.

If so, email me? (keithan@kgdevllc.com)

thanks,

Keithan

Posted by: keithan at January 9, 2009 12:04 PM

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