Atrium House by MESH Architectures, located in Brooklyn, NY, is a rare find in that they did not have to comply with the usual NYC residential zoning regulations. Due to the pre-existing structure already filling the entire 22’x100’ lot and the fact that they were not enlarging the house, meant that they were able to avoid the 30′ rear yard requirement and were able to build the house around a courtyard.
The unobtrusive front exterior leads you into a two-story space that is both modern and industrial. The house has an indoor/outdoor feel constructed with large floor-to-ceiling windowpanes and folding glass doors, which gives an open feeling. By building the house around an atrium, it allows for much of the space to open up to the outdoors and allows for light to fill the home. The design of the house offers the owner lots of privacy without the house feeling closed in.
Encased in the rustic pine board walls are steel struts that allow for the mounting of lighting, designed by MESH, that is made from plumbing hardware. You might remember that last year we featured MESH Architectures’ plumbing pipe lights.
Photos by Jason Schmidt.

11 Comments
April on 10.20.2011 at 14:04 PM
Absolutely fabulous, every part of it!! Love the blue that sets off the front door, all of the natural light, and how the spaces flow into each other on that main floor. Drooling over here!
Sarah on 10.20.2011 at 20:20 PM
This is beautiful! I love the use of industrial materials, the exposed brick wall, and the abundance of natural light. I also like how the architect incorporated clerestory windows to bring in even more light. Great find!
alisa on 10.21.2011 at 07:51 AM
The place is gorgeous and it belongs to Steve Burns, the original host of Blues Clues!
Jaime on 10.21.2011 at 08:45 AM
I wonder if he has a closet full of striped polos…
Eric on 10.21.2011 at 16:33 PM
Great place! I love the small plot of grass and wooden walkway juxtaposed with the glass windows and long hallway. Nice touch, indeed. Mowing is not such a weekend chore at this place :)
Niels on 12.20.2011 at 12:59 PM
Awesome house! Love the compact but open structure and the light!
Interesting choices of materials, sometimes it works (like on the front, which is both cheap and cool), sometimes it’s not my cuppa tea (like the wooden walls and weird railings built into them), but hey, a house has to have personality, the owner probably loves that stuff.
Chelsey on 12.27.2011 at 15:37 PM
I am really loving the folding patio door. I am currently on the hunt for a new patio door and would LOVE to know the manufacturer.
Thanks!!
Caroline (post author) on 12.27.2011 at 17:24 PM
The accordion doors were made by NanaWall. I hope that helps!
Jennifer on 01.04.2012 at 16:41 PM
Love this house! Such an amazing use of space!!
Sarah the Architect on 03.01.2012 at 13:44 PM
Great use of space and natural lighting – simply beautiful.
Framroze Sarosh Elavia on 03.09.2020 at 12:05 PM
Stuning house. I love the courtyard!
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