Carroll Gardens Townhouse

Located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, this townhouse addition was designed around the preservation of a mature saucer magnolia tree that has long defined the family's backyard. After a decade in the home, the clients—a couple working in publishing and their two daughters—sought to expand the house with larger bedrooms and a more generous kitchen while protecting the landscape they loved.

The magnolia guided every design decision. Working with an arborist, the addition was carefully positioned to preserve the tree's root system, canopy, and access to sunlight. Challenging soil conditions and a high water table required the extension to be supported on piles, minimizing disturbance while allowing the house to grow around the tree.

The new addition opens the parlor floor to the garden, where a dining area and window seat overlook the magnolia. Below, a sunken lounge extends to a landscaped yard organized around a curving bluestone terrace. Throughout the home, warm natural materials and carefully framed views ensure the tree remains the centerpiece of daily life.