Billeder og indretningsidéer
ZeroEnergy DesignThis renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income.
DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request.
MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic.
RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income.
ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them.
URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances.
OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values.
Photography: Eric Roth Photo
Cameo Kitchens, Inc.Features: Custom Wood Hood with Pull Out Spice Racks,
Mantel, Motif, and Corbels; Varied Height Cabinetry; Art for
Everyday Turned Posts # F-1; Art for Everyday Corbels
# CBL-TCY1, Beadboard; Wood Mullion and Clear
Beveled Glass Doors; Bar Area; Double Panel Doors;
Coffered Ceiling; Enhancement Window; Art for
Everyday Mantels # MTL-A1 and # MTL-A0; Desk Area
Cabinets- Main Kitchen: Honey Brook Custom in Maple Wood
with Seapearl Paint and Glaze; Voyager Full Overlay Door
Style with C-2 Lip
Cabinets- Island & Bar Area: Honey Brook Custom in Cherry
Wood with Colonial Finish; Voyager Full Overlay Door
Style with C-2 Lip
Countertops- Main Kitchen: Golden Beach Granite with
Double Pencil Edge
Countertops- Island and Bar Area: Golden Beach Granite
with Waterfall Edge
Kitchen Designer: Tammy Clark
Photograph: Kelly Keul Duer
Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris HomeThe design of this refined mountain home is rooted in its natural surroundings. Boasting a color palette of subtle earthy grays and browns, the home is filled with natural textures balanced with sophisticated finishes and fixtures. The open floorplan ensures visibility throughout the home, preserving the fantastic views from all angles. Furnishings are of clean lines with comfortable, textured fabrics. Contemporary accents are paired with vintage and rustic accessories.
To achieve the LEED for Homes Silver rating, the home includes such green features as solar thermal water heating, solar shading, low-e clad windows, Energy Star appliances, and native plant and wildlife habitat.
All photos taken by Rachael Boling Photography
Ann McCulloch Shop & StudioWe designed this built in bench with shoe storage drawers, a shelf above and high and low hooks for adults and kids.
Photos: David Hiser
Orren Pickell Building GroupThe artist's studio features views to Lake Michigan through the shuttered windows. A display wall provides additional inspiration. Photo by Mike Kaskel.
Billeder og indretningsidéer
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