In the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, known predominantly for its historic brownstone residences, a couple sought a distinctive alternative that would better suit their preferences for light-filled, open living spaces. Chiwoniso Kaitano, executive director of the MacDowell artist residency program, and Andrew Sabl, a political theorist and professor at the University of Toronto, purchased a converted carriage house at the end of 2019, diverging from the conventional brownstone aesthetic that characterizes the area.
The 2,350-square-foot building, originally constructed more than a century ago, had been transformed by a previous architect couple who introduced a central courtyard enclosed by glass sliding doors, allowing natural light to permeate the home's interior. This architectural feature, along with the residence’s minimalist finishes, gave the space a loft-like atmosphere, which appealed to the couple’s preference for bright and open environments reminiscent of their experiences in California and Greenwich Village.
After acquiring the property for $3.3 million, the Kaitano-Sabl family engaged Harper Design+Build, a local architecture and construction firm managed by Christine and Ryan Harper, to undertake a renovation aimed at updating the home while preserving its original character. The project, which began in summer 2020 and concluded a year later, involved reinforcing structural elements, remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms, and adding a new third floor spanning approximately 1,000 square feet. This addition created a primary suite and home office, incorporating expansive glazing—including skylights and large windows—to further enhance natural light throughout the three-story residence.
Maintaining the integrity of the existing structure during the construction of the upper level posed a significant challenge for the architects, who prioritized a sustainable, waste-conscious approach in line with the owners’ wishes. The courtyard garden received attention from Huntergreen, a specialized landscape design firm that replaced aged plantings with new greenery, including hydrangea, viburnum, anemones, a Japanese maple tree, and wood slats forming one wall, creating an inviting outdoor space connected to the interior.
In 2024, the homeowners further improved the property’s sustainability by replacing its gas boiler with electric heat pumps, a project supported by Kaitano’s brother, Itaï Kaitano of BK Climate Solutions. While solar panels have yet to be installed, the couple expressed plans to make the home fully sustainable in the near future. The combined cost of landscaping and energy system upgrades was approximately $400,000.
The couple, who share their home with Ms. Kaitano’s teenage son, highlight the residence’s suitability for social gatherings, hosting artists, academics, and friends through their professional and personal networks. The transformed carriage house stands as a contrast to the traditional brownstones of Park Slope, offering a bright, modern living space that blends historical elements with contemporary design and environmental considerations.