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project overview
Working within the skylight‑lit, limited 8′ core of Finger 1.0, the original galley kitchen was reconfigured to accommodate a new link to the unit below. The new pre‑fabricated single‑stringer stair connects the lower living spaces; its treads were tapered on site. The exterior wall was insulated from the interior and high‑performance replacement windows were installed.
Cutting the hole for the stair revealed that the ceiling could be raised six inches, allowing for a transition soffit with LED lighting similar to the strip lighting on the upper level. Light from the apartment's central skylight now filters down to the new living room, which is anchored by the original brick party wall.
The dining area preserves the family's fold‑down table. The father remarked that it's okay if some of the wear and tear remains—"it's where the kids ate breakfast every day and it is full of memory." The fold‑down table conceals a bookshelf wall and opens to a window seat.
To reinforce the geometry of the space and improve functionality, the kitchen was designed as a bold, angular block. The base cabinet holding the sink and dishwasher was built with precise clearances for circulation. Below, a stainless‑steel fermentation kitchen supports the family's brewing.
The family flourished in Finger 1.0 for a decade, although by Western standards their initial footprint for four people was modest. The expansion increased the ability to entertain friends, host piano recitals, brew beer, work late from home, allow the son to watch TV all night and adopt a third cat.
During the renovation the crew replaced all lighting with LED, upgraded the HVAC system, added new windows and wall insulation, improved the separation wall's soundproofing and air‑seal, and re‑arranged the upper and lower levels to improve circulation and comfort.
