Arch Triplex House / Barker Associates Architecture Office

Project: Arch Triplex House
Architects: Barker Associates Architecture Office / BAAO Architects
Author: Alexandra Barker, FAIA, Principal
Interior Decorator: Jae Joo Designs
Contractor: Altek Construction
Structural Engineer: Zaki Albanna
Location: Brooklyn, United States
Year: 2020
Photo credits: Francis Dzikowski /OTTO
Text and photos: Courtesy of BAAO Architects

The Arch Triplex House is a triplex for a young couple who travel extensively for business and wanted the feeling of a quiet sanctuary for their new home.

They partnered with BDDW to provide furnishings throughout the Arch house. The existing building is a relatively compact Anglo-Italianate townhouse circa 1860, and a three-story extension was added to expand the living space.

The house’s signature arched doorway and front window were the inspiration for much of the detailing for the renovated spaces. Arched openings connect the dining space to the foyer as well as to the kitchen through a butler’s pantry. The generous kitchen spans the entire width of the house and is designed for socializing while cooking, with a large central marble island and extensive countertop space. The ceilings were raised on the parlor floor to visually and spatially open out the space toward the rear yard, which is framed by a full wall of steel doors and accessed from a rear deck. The centerpiece of the living room is a plaster fluted fireplace surround.

The existing wood stair and handrail were restored and the skylight above was replaced in the shape of an oval to match the geometry of the stairwell. The master suite occupies the second floor. A library and office with original moldings and fireplace overlook the street. The bedroom, a plaster, and marble master bath are sequestered through more arched openings via a raised passageway toward the rear. The bedroom opens onto a balcony through more steel doors. The third floor is configured as a level for children, guests, and caregivers.

Materials and Products Information:
Kitchen Stone supplied by ABC Stone (Olympian White Danby)
Bathroom Stone supplied by European Marble and Granite (Calacatta Bettogli)
Custom stone sinks by Marmoles Stone
Kitchen and Pantry Cabinetry by Bespoke 7
Kitchen and bar faucets by Kallista
3rd-floor bath wallpaper by Anthropologie
Pantry wallpaper by Fornasetti
Powder room wallpaper by Maison C
Cement tile by Cement Tile Shop
Custom plaster by Kamp Studios (fireplace)
Custom plaster in kitchen and bathrooms by I-faux
Master bath fixtures by Waterworks
Powder room fixture by Devon and Devon
Third-floor fixture by Kingston Brass