In a relaxed neighbourhood of Brooklyn, Sereneco by Carpenter and Mason is located on the ground floor of Greenpoint, also known as Brooklyn’s historic Pencil Factory building.
The studio explain their design process for Sereneco was highly intuitive, feeling out a space that would be reflective of owner Billy van Dolsen – thoughtful yet understated, and taking cues from the existing raw space of the Greenpoint location.
Designed shortly after the quarantine lockdown ended in New York, the restart prompted the designers to look into local architecture and prioritize the relationship between architecture and the natural environment. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian community served as an important precedent, in particular the fluid relationship between exterior and interior, and the use of natural materials.
At Sereneco, the interior material palette is soft and natural, featuring wood, plasters, terracotta, stone and the buildings existing brick. Another important aspect was the implementation of greenery throughout. Interior greenery was considered in collaboration with Greenery NYC to ensure the plants thrive in the space.
Conceived as a ‘hearth,’ the bar is the centre of the restaurant. With a completely open façade behind it, the tall central volume features large wood-clad planters wrapping around. The kitchen is located under one of the two existing skylights in the space, placing the well-being of the staff at the fore.
