Houzz Tour: An Artist Lets Her Imagination Roam
A creative collaboration transforms a Brooklyn townhouse into a playful, bubblelike retreat
In nearly everything she creates, artist Clarina Bezzola explores the balance between fear and safety. “Human existence is always going back and forth between wanting to be safe but at the same time wanting to grow and expand,” Bezzola says. While that theme has been expressed many times in her sculptures, drawings, paintings and performances, it had never been incorporated into a house. That was until Bezzola purchased a Brooklyn townhouse and teamed with Raad Studio to bring the idea to life.
Before Photo
Photos from Clarina Bezzola, unless otherwise noted
Before: Bezzola purchased the home because of its proximity to her art studio and decidedly not for its aesthetics. “The place was gaudy before,” she says. “Everything in the house was covered in stone and marble. The transitions in the house made you feel like you were in a stone yard.”
Before: Bezzola purchased the home because of its proximity to her art studio and decidedly not for its aesthetics. “The place was gaudy before,” she says. “Everything in the house was covered in stone and marble. The transitions in the house made you feel like you were in a stone yard.”
Before Photo
Bezzola envisioned a complete remodel for the home. The garish materials would need to be removed in favor of a cleaner, modern look. For the centerpiece of the home, she began imagining an entirely different concept for the fireplace and main living area.
Bezzola’s sketch: At the time, Bezzola was feeling especially vulnerable following the end of a 20-year marriage. Looking to create a space for shelter and safety, she sketched out ideas for an installation that would provide a retreat from the world. At the same time, she wanted the piece to expand out into the room, symbolizing growth and progression.
Before Photo
When Bezzola took her sketches and a portfolio of ideas to James Ramsey and Sang-yun Han, they were thrilled about the idea of collaborating. “The primary role of the architect is to understand the client,” Han says, and in Bezzola, they had found an inspiring partner.
Bezzola joins the construction crew on site (above) to watch the transformation take place.
Bezzola joins the construction crew on site (above) to watch the transformation take place.
Before Photo
Transformation begins: After removing the outer layers of the former fireplace, the team began assembling the initial pieces of Bezzola’s installation, which they called “the bubble.” In addition to the fireplace, they made space in the bubble for a relaxing hideaway, a hole for firewood and a portal to the floor above. The piece required some thoughtful engineering by Ramsey and a variety of materials, including metal studs, fire bricks, wood, concrete, Structo-Lite plaster, joint compound and foam.
Photo by Marco Walker
After: The final “bubble” protrudes from the wall in a matching white color. As part of the design, Ramsey built upon Bezzola’s original idea with the addition of a walnut credenza that houses a state-of-the-art audio system. Along with its functionality, the credenza also provides a visual interaction with the bubble. “It’s like my growth is eating up his credenza. We were having so much fun with that,” Bezzola says.
After: The final “bubble” protrudes from the wall in a matching white color. As part of the design, Ramsey built upon Bezzola’s original idea with the addition of a walnut credenza that houses a state-of-the-art audio system. Along with its functionality, the credenza also provides a visual interaction with the bubble. “It’s like my growth is eating up his credenza. We were having so much fun with that,” Bezzola says.
Photo by Marco Walker
Today, Bezzola uses the bubble as a space to relax, read and watch movies. With the inclusion of the fireplace, she initially thought that it would be especially warm inside. However, most of the heat is emitted through the front opening, which Bezzola says is a good thing considering she’s now installed a TV inside the sitting space.
Today, Bezzola uses the bubble as a space to relax, read and watch movies. With the inclusion of the fireplace, she initially thought that it would be especially warm inside. However, most of the heat is emitted through the front opening, which Bezzola says is a good thing considering she’s now installed a TV inside the sitting space.
Photo by Marco Walker
Guests’ reactions: One of the most interesting aspects of having the bubble in her living room is seeing how guests respond to it. “Some people act like it’s not there. Some immediately want to climb through it. Some are afraid,” Bezzola says. On one particular occasion, an ambassador in his 60s climbed into the bubble in his suit and tie. After that, Bezzola thought, “If he could do it, anyone can.”
Couch: custom millwork by M J A Class Furniture
Guests’ reactions: One of the most interesting aspects of having the bubble in her living room is seeing how guests respond to it. “Some people act like it’s not there. Some immediately want to climb through it. Some are afraid,” Bezzola says. On one particular occasion, an ambassador in his 60s climbed into the bubble in his suit and tie. After that, Bezzola thought, “If he could do it, anyone can.”
Couch: custom millwork by M J A Class Furniture
Photo by Annie Schlecter
The second level: Although a stairway connects the first and second levels, the bubble allows for a much more unique entry into the upper floor. “It’s very unusual, but I wanted this to be a growth that is breaking through floors,” Bezzola says. On this floor, surrounded by her books, Bezzola pursues a number of artistic interests, including painting and classical singing.
The second level: Although a stairway connects the first and second levels, the bubble allows for a much more unique entry into the upper floor. “It’s very unusual, but I wanted this to be a growth that is breaking through floors,” Bezzola says. On this floor, surrounded by her books, Bezzola pursues a number of artistic interests, including painting and classical singing.
Photo by Annie Schlecter
The bathroom: The theme of growth continues on the second floor with the use of vegetation in the bathroom. Bezzola said the inspiration came from seeing a New York City building lobby that resembled a garden. “I thought that was so beautiful, and I wanted that in my house — that idea of plants taking over the space,” she says.
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The bathroom: The theme of growth continues on the second floor with the use of vegetation in the bathroom. Bezzola said the inspiration came from seeing a New York City building lobby that resembled a garden. “I thought that was so beautiful, and I wanted that in my house — that idea of plants taking over the space,” she says.
Browse more homes by style: Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
House at a Glance
Who lives here: Artist Clarina Bezzola
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Size: 2,220 square feet (206 square meters)
Designers: Clarina Bezzola, Sang-yun Han and James Ramsey of Raad Studio