Originally built in the 1920’s, this existing cottage north of New York City became vacant when its long-time tenant opted to move out. MZA’s client, the owner and landlord, seized the opportunity to have MZA design a gut renovation of the 1,300 SF structure, and rebuild the garage and “connector”. Constrained by zoning regulations and local codes, the house could not be enlarged and much of the existing framing needed to remain in-tact.

Due to topography and significant bedrock outcroppings, the garage exists at a level approximately 11’ below the finished floor level of the house. The unique connector MZA designed provides a pathway from home-to-car that captures views of the property and brings in an inspiring amount of daylight. The new rooflines of the connector and garage also play off the geometry of the gables of the house, creating an interesting series of angles when viewed from the north side of the property. The house’s interior was reconfigured – the kitchen reorganized, the primary bedroom suite’s foundation and roof rebuilt and bathroom relocated, and a laundry added – and entirely reconstructed with only the existing framing preserved. The existing fireplace’s stone was exposed from behind existing wood paneling, cleaned and repointed, the roof trusses were removed and replaced with new collar ties hiding built-in uplighting, and a dramatic ridge skylight was cut into the new roof aligned with the hearth. The exterior was reskinned, all windows and doors were replaced, and a local cut stone wainscot was added around the home’s perimeter.

MZA served as the project’s interior designer as well, selecting most of the fit and finish items including lighting, plumbing fixtures, hardware and tile, and designing all custom millwork. The interior walls and ceiling were finished throughout in venetian plaster and the floors in a wide plank white oak. Finally, there is an intentional 6” step down into the kitchen inspired by a recent trip to Asia by the owner, which allows for seating at the island to be at table height, offsetting the fact that this compact house doesn’t have space for a dining room.