Commoncraft uses cantilever design to maximize space in Brooklyn's 545 Metropolitan building

Local studio Commoncraft has used a cantilevered volume to curve 545 Metropolitan over its neighbours, navigating the narrow Brooklyn site in order to provide more floor space.

Located on Williamsburg's busy Metropolitan Avenue just across from the Lorimer L subway station, 545 Metropolitan is a six-storey mixed-use building that contains apartments, ground-level commercial space.

The building's unconventional form was a direct response to the site's constraints, which included a narrow lot and zoning restrictions that limited the building's footprint.

By cantilevering the upper floors, Commoncraft was able to create additional square footage without violating setback requirements, effectively 'borrowing' space from the air rights above adjacent properties.

The design incorporates sustainable features including a green roof, energy-efficient mechanical systems, and materials selected for their durability and environmental impact.