THE EDBROOKE

   This property demonstrates one of our key desires as a development firm: renovating and building in a way that takes into consideration the local environment and history. A primary focus of the design was highlighting the industrial features while modernizing the lighting, utility systems, kitchen, and bathrooms. High ceilings, with original heavy timber rafters, hardwood floors, and double-hung windows recognize and pay tribute to the historic design and construction from 1905. The historic designation of the building significantly restricts modifications to the exterior façade, so all of the design alterations were based on the interior space. 

   A unique aspect of the historic apartment was that the interior wall surfaces are plaster finished. This allowed for a highly airtight and soundproof wall system combined with rebuilt historic wood sash windows to minimize temperature loss. With only 17% of the total wall surface area in direct contact with exterior temperature, the insulation is very comprehensive for a repurposed industrial building. The original float-glass panes of the historic windows were reinstalled as the exterior layer of a double-pane window to reduce temperature loss. 

   Contemporary heating and cooling systems have brought this loft space into the modern era. The space is heated with a district hydronic system shared by 44 units. The air conditioning is managed via a remote heat pump and local air handling system. The energy-efficient LED lighting systems replacing the original lighting system lowered electrical consumption drastically. Along with these changes, the kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures were replaced to reduce water use and waste.