Two classical guitarists owned a rental two-flat in the city and wanted to make it one; for themselves.  Their budget was modest, their expectations relatively high.  Rather than expand, we eliminated - a porch, portion of floor, side windows, all interior walls. New internal steel structure, mechanical system, lighting and switching were left exposed.  Floating cabinetry was designed to define the living spaces; it is a house without interior doors.  The guitars sound great.

A single large opening faces south onto the rear garden and garage.  The garage, clad with 24" high cement board siding that is angled to emit light like a lantern, provides the exterior lighting for the garden in the evening.  The guitars sound great here too.

construction - benchdog construction
photography - Michelle Litvin