Timber Townhouse

New York, NY

Timber Townhouse transforms a landmarked 1894 carriage house in Manhattan’s West Village into a contemporary family residence through the insertion of a prefabricated mass timber structure within the restored historic shell. Designed in collaboration with Helen & Hard Architects, the project combines adaptive reuse, parametric design, and advanced timber fabrication to create a low-carbon home that balances innovation with preservation. 

The new architecture is organized around a sculptural spiral stair that rises through the center of the house, branching into an expressive timber roof canopy that draws daylight deep into the building. Precision-fabricated glulam beams, clay lime walls, cellulose insulation, and passive environmental strategies contribute to a healthy, sustainable interior while celebrating the warmth and craftsmanship of timber construction. 

Historic elements, including the landmarked masonry façade and original timber floor beams, have been carefully restored or repurposed throughout the project, creating a dialogue between old and new. Through digital design, off-site fabrication, and meticulous craftsmanship, Timber Townhouse demonstrates how contemporary mass timber construction can reimagine New York’s historic building stock for a more sustainable future.