Skylight House

This modernist brick home built in 1979 stands in playful contrast to neighboring historic row homes. The owners wanted a renovation with an open floor plan filled with natural light, and a third-floor addition with a primary suite, spa bathroom, and sundeck. The project brief included a contemporary kitchen, children’s play space, media room and space for art.

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The objective of the new design is clear upon entry–capturing sunlight. Unique for a city lot, the footprint of the house repeatedly steps back from the south property line, forgoing square-footage for views of the sun and sky. To maximize use of space, every inch was carefully considered. Standard 5-inch-thick walls were replaced with 1/2-inch translucent glass between the primary bathroom and hallway.

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Circulation is organized around a three-story atrium capped with a pyramidal skylight, flooding the interior with light. A sculptural steel and wood staircase is suspended in the atrium, and a custom chandelier, engineered to hang from the skylight, floats in the full height of the space. Tracy Hickman curated the calming interior furnishings.

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The design reimagines the interior, emphasizing clear sight lines from front to back. dSPACE-designed walnut cabinetry unifies the home and is detailed to conceal everyday necessities such as TV, pantry, desk, and a wardrobe in the primary bedroom. Sustainable elements include a green roof, high efficiency mechanicals, new thermal building envelope, and LED lighting.