Muted Calm – Townhouse H by Jensen C. Vasil Architect and Corvino Design
Taking influence from a European aesthetic, Townhouse H is a quiet place of refuge for its owners. Jensen C. Vasil Architect and Corvino Design combine to propose a tranquil sanctuary of lasting resonance, where the character and charm of the existing period home is brought to life with contemporary detailing.
Nestled on a quaint street in New Jersey, Townhouse H emerges as a fusion of modernist and minimalist principles. The Hoboken home takes occupancy across numerous floors of a heritage rowed townhouse and its new purpose is to be a contemporary sanctuary for the owners. The original gestures of the dwelling are reinterpreted through clean lines and crisp junctions. While underpinned and dotted with amenity for the growing family, the elevated and luxurious residence also sees Corvino Design overlay key interior textural and nuanced details beside the architectural reconfiguration and restoration by Jensen C. Vasil Architect.
What was originally constructed in the early 1900s has since undergone a number of additions and transformations over the years – evolving with each new custodian. Both aligning the home with the needs of the current owners and respecting what came before, the latest rendition introduces an open and connected home made to feel voluminous due to its palette. After ascending the main entry stair, and passing through the traditional entry area, the parlour floor welcomes visitors. As the level that would traditionally accommodate the entertaining of guests, the ceiling heights are taller than on the upper and lower floors as it was historically the grandest level of the home. While accentuating this and reorienting how the home functioned, the kitchen was re-established as a destination of its own and connects to the dining and lounge areas.
Existing archways are treated with a soft hand-applied plaster finish, setting the tone for the accompanying curves of the introduced furniture and lighting. The home has been curated with a similar discerning and restrained eye, with balance being key between shapes and finishes. The expressive stone that dons the kitchen island remains a feature and helps emphasise the space as a hive of activity. Almost stage-like, the kitchen island plays a performative role where cooking, entertaining, working and connecting take place. On the upper floors, disconnected and plush bedroom spaces await that carry a neutral base and warmth through custom timber joinery. Additional statement natural stone also appears on these upper levels; however, the tones remain monochromatic to allow a further feeling of calm.
