An architect aspires to add to the community; more often than not by filling in the open gaps. This project chooses another approach: to cultivate what is there. The key decision was to keep a 60' maple and the opening in the street wall that it held. The little house behind was adapted to act as a canvas for both.

The 'PUSHmi-PULLyu' house is a renovation of a worker’s house in Greenpoint for a creative couple and their growing family. The project was coined pushmi-pullyu as a result of the forces at play in the work, drawing circulation, light and exterior materials into the house through its openings.

The double-deck addition serves as an outdoor living space for each co-owner of this two-family house, and grants both families access to the rear yard. The two decks are dynamically composed to maximize floor area while allowing light and access to the deck and yard below.

This renovation project values the remaining character of the original structure and enhances its inherent traits – 20’ width, front porch, high ceilings and a south facing garden. The historic 1879 front of the Italianate wood frame house has a covered porch with original cornice and trim. Inside, the first floor is opened up to take advantage of the generous width of the house.

For many young families living in New York City, making plans for an addition to their family includes a call to an architect. In this story, the dog and the couple outgrew their studio apartment and called noroof to assist them in selecting a one-bedroom. As a response to their unique needs, the project was staged in three parts.

Remodeling a tiny fifth-floor walk-up for a family of three is like building a small boat for a long voyage. In the case of the 'finger apartment,' the challenge of stowing the owners’ cargo was equaled by the determination to provide excellent accommodations for the crew.