This Cobble Hill Townhouse Finds New Life Awash in Sunlight

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Sunrooms, solariums, and conservatories – the history of these light-soaked spaces dates back thousands of years originating as ancient temporal structures that allowed early civilizations to commune with the stars. Whether in practical application or through aesthetic appeal, contemporary iterations tap into the primordial desire for access to elements like light, air, and the natural landscape.

Brooklyn-based Bo Lee Architects (BLA) – in conscious collaboration with Rockhill Construction and a pair of deeply invested homeowners – leverages this architectural device in their design for the Cobble Hill Townhouse, located within the same borough, anchoring this residence in both space and time. What began as a modest brownstone constrained by its context is now a thoughtfully expanded, thriving household that prioritizes simplicity, playfulness, and functionality as it responds to changes in need.

A modern kitchen corner with wooden cabinets, a pineapple, cutting boards, colorful bowls on shelves, and kitchenware arranged neatly on the counter and shelving.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, an island, and a dining area by large windows overlooking a green garden. A vase with flowers and a bowl of oranges are on display.

“The couple’s focus on creating a home for their growing family aligned perfectly with our belief that design should enhance daily life while remaining approachable and unpretentious,” shares principal architect Bo Lee. “This synergy allowed us to work together to craft a space that is as beautiful as it is meaningful.”

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, marble countertop with a red fruit bowl, stainless steel sink, white backsplash, and small potted plant near the stove.

A wooden dining table with four chairs sits by large windows and a skylight. A white pendant light hangs above, with a vase, fruit bowl, and plant on the table. Trees are visible outside.

In fact, several significant milestones shared by the couple shaped the project in ways both big and small. Discovering they were expecting their first child during the design phase inspired BLA to prioritize flexible layouts and adaptable rooms that could acclimate to family planning. And with both professionals working from home and pursuing advanced degrees, dedicated workspaces became essential, seamlessly integrated alongside communal spaces to support the couple’s shifting schedules without sacrificing openness or comfort.

A wooden bench with a backrest is positioned next to a window, casting shadows on its surface from natural light.

A wooden wall with two green hats, an orange jacket, and two potted plants; adjacent wall displays a clock, vase with branches, and colorful artwork.

“The solarium is this project’s lynchpin, however. It absorbed the existing terrace off the rear and covered it to make it part of the interior, increasing the footprint and rendering this space useful all year long,” says Rich Ferraioli, Chief Operating Officer of Rockhill Construction and a trusted industry partner to BLA. “This feature is atypical in New York and required all of us to work together to make it happen.”

A modern dining area with wooden table and chairs is next to large glass doors and windows overlooking a green backyard. Children's artwork is displayed on a nearby wall.

A dog stands on a green sofa in a cozy reading nook with bookshelves, a large window, abstract art, and a round ceiling light.

The transformative renovation, encompassing some 4,000 square feet, boasts visual access to nature while balancing expansive entertainment spaces with a series of intimate nooks ripe for discovery at the turn of a corner. Things like a proper parlor or playroom commingle with the library, office, and piano room. A generous media room is offset with a spa bath. And a sprawling kitchen floor accommodates a wide variety of family dining rituals before guests and residents alike retire to one of the five bedrooms or three full bathrooms for a bit of privacy. In summation, the spatial and programmatic schemes are able to positively effect change as it facilitates meaningful daily rhythms of gathering, connection, and recreation.

A modern dining nook with a yellow upholstered bench, white round table, wooden stool, colorful mugs, books, and decorative items on open shelves against a white wall.

A modern dining nook with a yellow bench, round white table, colorful mugs, built-in shelves, abstract artwork, and a wooden staircase in the background.

In addition to sunlight, environmental mindfulness permeates the structure in a variety of subtle, unsuspecting ways. Locally produced, eco-friendly material finishes were used in construction wherever possible. Solar panels from Brooklyn Solar crown the roof, adding an energy-efficient system to this now-modernized urban retreat. And custom cabinetry made from wood like white oak incorporates expressive shelving, subtle accents of forest green and yellow that complement the casework while adding warmth to the space.

Wooden staircase with simple railings and rounded posts, set against plain white walls in a well-lit interior space.

A colorful children's room with a blue bed, patterned rug, wicker rocking horse, blue built-in shelves, and abstract paintings on the wall.

“The clients have shared that their favorite parts of the new home are the solarium, family room, and backyard,” Lee adds. “These spaces have become the heart of their home, offering areas to both work and relax, connect, and enjoy both the indoors and outdoors.”

Modern bathroom with white tiled walls, a rectangular sink, two mirrors, blue and white mosaic floor tiles, striped blue towels, and minimal accessories.

A bright, tidy children's room with a gray armchair, wooden dresser, window, toys on a gray rug, and a bookshelf partially visible in the foreground.

More than a renovation, Cobble Hill Townhouse is a quiet study of life’s impermanence and a joyful ode to change – perhaps a lesson, too, for those too fickle to realize that with trust, clarity, and a willingness to see constraints as opportunities, even the narrowest brownstone can offer endless room to grow.

A cozy reading nook with wooden chairs, a small side table, and a window seat overlooks leafy trees through large bay windows. A yellow sofa is visible on the left.

A modern bedroom with a neatly made bed, wooden floors, built-in shelves, and an open door leading to a deck with outdoor seating.

A hallway with built-in wood cabinetry leads to a bathroom with a glass shower, tiled walls, and a checked robe hanging on the wall.

Modern bathroom with wood vanity, gray countertop, large mirror, walk-in glass shower, and a potted plant on the counter.

Modern living room with a navy blue sectional sofa, wooden chair, marble coffee table, and a kitchenette area with blue tile, open shelves, and a small sink.

Modern living room with built-in wooden shelves and cabinets, a wall-mounted TV, decorative items on floating shelves, and a marble coffee table with a small plant.

A modern mudroom with wooden cabinets, gray tile flooring, bench, shelves with shoes, wall hooks holding a blue jacket, orange helmet, and dog leash.

A modern bathroom sink with a circular mirror, wall-mounted faucet, small towel, soap dispenser, and a colorful robe hanging on a hook.

A bathtub in a bathroom.

A modern room with large glass doors opening to a terraced backyard, featuring a small wooden table with stools, plants, and a light wood sideboard.

Modern backyard with white concrete steps leading to a grassy area, wooden privacy fencing, planters with shrubs, and surrounding trees.

A family with a dog and child spends time in a modern backyard with artificial turf, colorful balls, and a multi-story urban townhouse in the background.

A brick townhouse with a bay window, black door, front steps, and iron fence, flanked by similar neighboring buildings at dusk.

To see this and other works by the collaborative studios, respectively,  visit boleearchitects.com and rockhill.nyc.

Photography by Garrett Rowland.

With professional degrees in architecture and journalism, New York-based writer Joseph has a desire to make living beautifully accessible. His work seeks to enrich the lives of others with visual communication and storytelling through design. When not writing, he teaches visual communication, theory, and design.



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