The client for this Brooklyn townhouse, a prominent conservator of twentieth century art, asked ACHA to convert the lower level into a home office and occasional guestroom. This was previously an uninviting place that had been used largely for storage.

Much of the space was stripped down to its underlying structure, some pipes were relocated, and others abandoned. The former coal chute was repurposed as a lightwell, bringing natural light in from the street front, and, in doing so, accentuating its heavy masonry walls.  Similarly, the granite stones next to the new stair were cleaned of layers of parge coat and paint, creating a counterpoint to the simplicity and lightness of the stair.

The stair has a single steel stringer and open risers with solid wood treads. Flush mounted cabinets and concealed lighting above the worktable provide discreet storage space and conceal the building utilities. The built-in worktable is finished in American Walnut and finished with a fine wood oil.