When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a work out space with barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly.

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a work out space with barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly.

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

This 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. Eric Roth Photo

In every project we complete, design, form, function and safety are all important aspects to a successful space plan. For these homeowners, it was an absolute must. The family had some unique needs that needed to be addressed. As physical abilities continued to change, the accessibility and safety in their master bathroom was a significant concern. The layout of the bathroom was the first to change. We swapped places with the tub and vanity to give better access to both. A beautiful chrome grab bar was added along with matching towel bar and towel ring. The vanity was changed out and now featured an angled cut-out for easy access for a wheelchair to pull completely up to the sink while protecting knees and legs from exposed plumbing and looking gorgeous doing it. The toilet came out of the corner and we eliminated the privacy wall, giving it far easier access with a wheelchair. The original toilet was in great shape and we were able to reuse it. But now, it is equipped with much-needed chrome grab bars for added safety and convenience. The shower was moved and reconstructed to allow for a larger walk-in tile shower with stylish chrome grab bars, an adjustable handheld showerhead and a comfortable fold-down shower bench – proving a bathroom can (and should) be functionally safe AND aesthetically beautiful at the same time.

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to work out space with a barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly.

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a work out space with barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly. Photographer- Holden Photos

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a work out space with barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly.

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one in the basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a workout space with a barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly. Photographer- Holden Photos

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a work out space with barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly. Photographer- Holden Photos

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to work out space with a barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly.

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a work out space with barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly. Photographer- Holden Photos

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a work out space with barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly. Photographer- Holden Photos

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a work out space with barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly. Photographer- Holden Photos

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a work out space with barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly.

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a work out space with a barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly.

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one in the basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a workout space with a barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly. Photographer- Holden Photos

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a work out space with barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly.

When an old neighbor referred us to a new construction home built in my old stomping grounds I was excited. First, close to home. Second it was the EXACT same floor plan as the last house I built. We had a local contractor, Curt Schmitz sign on to do the construction and went to work on layout and addressing their wants, needs, and wishes for the space. Since they had a fireplace upstairs they did not want one int he basement. This gave us the opportunity for a whole wall of built-ins with Smart Source for major storage and display. We also did a bar area that turned out perfectly. The space also had a space room we dedicated to a work out space with barn door. We did luxury vinyl plank throughout, even in the bathroom, which we have been doing increasingly. Photographer- Holden Photos