The DoubleMint house project involves a two-story rear addition and partial renovation of a three-story Edwardian home. The renovation expands the living area with a fully updated basement and a third-story walkout roof deck. The project’s design was shaped by the need to create additional bedrooms for twin brothers who had been sharing a room – hence the nickname “DoubleMint.” Another key challenge was carving out a dedicated dining area without altering the existing kitchen.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with principals Nadia Cannataro and Francesco Martire about the project. Their collaborative approach and ability to navigate the complexities of concept-to-completion were especially impressive. Balancing tight budgets, homeowner expectations, and construction challenges is no easy task, particularly with century-old homes that often present unforeseen structural, electrical, and plumbing issues. While DoubleMint House likely encountered some of these hurdles, the result is a strikingly detailed and cohesive design.
Design highlights
Second-Floor Bedrooms
The second-floor addition houses two nearly identical bedrooms, distinguished by subtle details. Each room mirrors the other in size, proportion, and window placement, but features unique ceiling sculpting and an exterior bulkhead painted in a soft blue hue. These bedrooms open into a dramatic double-height space, adding a sense of airiness and spatial volume to the home.
Ground Floor: New Meets Old
On the ground floor, the rear extension aligns seamlessly with the original structure, accommodating a new dining and living area. The kitchen remains untouched, but the addition is tied together through a custom millwork installation along the west wall. This long cabinetry piece integrates display shelving, a serving area, and concealed doors leading to the basement and a new powder room. White oak panels provide a clean, contemporary aesthetic, while a niche lined with blackened steel houses a salvaged wood-burning stove from the original home, alongside storage for firewood. Large north-facing windows and sliding glass doors flood the space with natural light and enhance ventilation.
Third-Floor Roof Deck
The two-story rear addition extends upwards to create a third-floor roof deck – a welcome surprise that compensates for lost garden space due to the home’s expanded footprint. To ensure privacy for both the homeowners and their neighbours, a thick guardrail doubles as a green roof, fostering biodiversity by attracting butterflies and bees. This space serves as a tranquil retreat for the family.
Material choices and cohesion
Throughout the home, careful attention to materials ensures a seamless blend of old and new. White oak millwork and wood paneling unify the design, creating continuity between original features and modern additions. On the third floor, an open space positioned beneath an existing skylight draws light deep into the home, generating dynamic reflections and enhancing the overall sense of openness.
A doubly successful renovation
The DoubleMint House exemplifies how inventive spatial planning and thoughtful materiality can overcome the challenges of renovating a historic home. From the twin-friendly bedrooms to the serene roof deck and meticulously integrated interiors, this project demonstrates a masterful balance of functionality, aesthetics, and respect for the home’s original character. OD