Architecture by Elizabeth Roberts
Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY
Roberts’ created a 12’-4” extension to the back of this townhouse in Fort Greene. Usually I am not a fan of large additions, but because the original house was modestly sized at 34 feet deep, this addition feels completely natural. The 3 floor extension also creates a generous roof terrace on the fourth floor, and a 8 feet terrace off the dining area. Clad in handmade bricks, the back facade now relates to the front facade creating a more harmonious exterior. Windows are not copied from the previous facade, but are placed and sized specific to the particular function behind without feeling out of context in this 1901 home. Both interior and exterior are modern but comfortably aware of their historical surroundings.
Openings and thresholds are treated as architectural elements in their own right. Doorways, reveals, and trim depths establish a clear order through the rooms, so circulation reads as a connected sequence instead of isolated moments.
Material contrast remains disciplined: warmer timber notes balance cooler painted or stone surfaces, while metal accents are concentrated at touch points like pulls, fixtures, and hardware. The result is tactile without becoming busy.
What stands out most is consistency of detail language. Joinery lines, panel rhythms, and floor direction support how each space is used, giving the project a calm, lived-in character that still feels specific to Elizabeth Roberts.
Tags: Elizabeth Roberts, Fort Greene
