In 2001, David Salle purchased two interconnected and derelict buildings in Brooklyn. and commissioned Christian Hubert to create a residence and studio for him. On this project, Mr. Hubert worked in association with the architect David Fratianne and was assisted by Greg Merryweather.

The buildings were quite different in both quality and condition. While the larger and more architecturally distinguished building to the North was in fairly good condition, the dark and cramped townhouse building to the South was dilapidated and required extensive repairs.

As a result, Hubert treated the two buildings quite differently. Although they form a unified set of spaces on the inside, the difference between them has been highlighted on the exterior.

Work on the North building has consisted mostly of exterior restoration and interior renovation. The South building, on the other hand, was extensively modified to create both new interior and exterior spaces, and its exterior appearance has been radically transformed.

The most visible architectural elements of Hubert's design are on the upper floors of the South building, where a new zinc-covered roof curves down to become the exterior wall of a projecting three–story extension.  As a result of this modification, which redistributes existing floor areas without adding to the overall square footage, the two upper floors of the townhouse are widened and open on to new terraces both front and back. A section of the roof of the North building was also removed, so that the master suite opens on to a large private terrace above the dining room. A dramatic two-story bathroom, with its own zinc roof, also opens up on to this private terrace as well.

The inside of the house mixes old and new, raw and refined, luxurious and austere, and reflects the depth and extent of the creative dialogue between client, designers, and craftsmen.  More than ten years after its completion, the Salle house and studio is as fresh as ever, reflecting the client’s care and his ongoing refinements to the design and decoration.