Off Broadway Duplex

Astoria, Queens

Program: Duplex House
Area: 2800sf
Status: Completed 2024
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The new owners of this quaint one story yellow house from the early 1900s, located just off Broadway in Astoria, Queens, wanted to create a dramatic new duplex family arrangement for two young, separate, but related families. A two story apartment with access to the rear terrace, deck and garden creates the base for the upper two story apartment which has both a charming street front overlook and a large elevated rear terrace. The small sloped lot posed unique challenges in terms of zoning as well as a narrow floor plan layout.The design creates a horizontal yellow base, respecting the memory of the original historic house. Into this base, a new steel framed volume is inserted, rising vertically above. The duplex is capped with a sloped ceiling, dormered, bedroom with panoramic views of Astoria and Manhattan beyond. Light infuses every space both through large windows and skylights as well as carefully positioned smaller windows which frame urban vignettes. A terrace or deck at every level provides unique ways to experience the street and garden. While the base maintains the original scale of the house, the expansion sensitively sets back in the front while boldly expressing its modern verticality in the rear.

High energy efficiency standards were maintained throughout the project.Warmboard hydronic in-floor radiant heat combined with a new energy efficient Navien boiler and tankless hot water heater contribute to the energy savings. Energy efficient Marvin windows provide a high level of perimeter thermal insulation in conjunction with the extensive rigid, batt and foam wall and roof insulation and continuous Carlisle air and vapor barrier.

The two apartments interlock but have distinct views of the garden and street. The house respects the street context while dramatically opening up to the rear garden.

Photography: c 2024 Ari Burling Creative