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

Our roof and gutter de-icing products are built to protect properties from the damage caused by ice dam formations. EasyHeat™ electric heating cables economically and efficiently reduce ice formation along roof edges, in gutters, drains and downspouts by providing a path for meltwater to flow off the roof. We offer the highest quality cables and controls for virtually every roof and gutter de-icing application to protect your home and business.

Our roof and gutter de-icing products are built to protect properties from the damage caused by ice dam formations. EasyHeat™ electric heating cables economically and efficiently reduce ice formation along roof edges, in gutters, drains and downspouts by providing a path for meltwater to flow off the roof. We offer the highest quality cables and controls for virtually every roof and gutter de-icing application to protect your home and business.

Our roof and gutter de-icing products are built to protect properties from the damage caused by ice dam formations. EasyHeat™ electric heating cables economically and efficiently reduce ice formation along roof edges, in gutters, drains and downspouts by providing a path for meltwater to flow off the roof. We offer the highest quality cables and controls for virtually every roof and gutter de-icing application to protect your home and business.

Our roof and gutter de-icing products are built to protect properties from the damage caused by ice dam formations. EasyHeat™ electric heating cables economically and efficiently reduce ice formation along roof edges, in gutters, drains and downspouts by providing a path for meltwater to flow off the roof. We offer the highest quality cables and controls for virtually every roof and gutter de-icing application to protect your home and business.

Our roof and gutter de-icing products are built to protect properties from the damage caused by ice dam formations. EasyHeat™ electric heating cables economically and efficiently reduce ice formation along roof edges, in gutters, drains and downspouts by providing a path for meltwater to flow off the roof. We offer the highest quality cables and controls for virtually every roof and gutter de-icing application to protect your home and business.

Our roof and gutter de-icing products are built to protect properties from the damage caused by ice dam formations. EasyHeat™ electric heating cables economically and efficiently reduce ice formation along roof edges, in gutters, drains and downspouts by providing a path for meltwater to flow off the roof. We offer the highest quality cables and controls for virtually every roof and gutter de-icing application to protect your home and business.

Our roof and gutter de-icing products are built to protect properties from the damage caused by ice dam formations. EasyHeat™ electric heating cables economically and efficiently reduce ice formation along roof edges, in gutters, drains and downspouts by providing a path for meltwater to flow off the roof. We offer the highest quality cables and controls for virtually every roof and gutter de-icing application to protect your home and business.

Our roof and gutter de-icing products are built to protect properties from the damage caused by ice dam formations. EasyHeat™ electric heating cables economically and efficiently reduce ice formation along roof edges, in gutters, drains and downspouts by providing a path for meltwater to flow off the roof. We offer the highest quality cables and controls for virtually every roof and gutter de-icing application to protect your home and business.

Our roof and gutter de-icing products are built to protect properties from the damage caused by ice dam formations. EasyHeat™ electric heating cables economically and efficiently reduce ice formation along roof edges, in gutters, drains and downspouts by providing a path for meltwater to flow off the roof. We offer the highest quality cables and controls for virtually every roof and gutter de-icing application to protect your home and business.

Our roof and gutter de-icing products are built to protect properties from the damage caused by ice dam formations. EasyHeat™ electric heating cables economically and efficiently reduce ice formation along roof edges, in gutters, drains and downspouts by providing a path for meltwater to flow off the roof. We offer the highest quality cables and controls for virtually every roof and gutter de-icing application to protect your home and business.

Our roof and gutter de-icing products are built to protect properties from the damage caused by ice dam formations. EasyHeat™ electric heating cables economically and efficiently reduce ice formation along roof edges, in gutters, drains and downspouts by providing a path for meltwater to flow off the roof. We offer the highest quality cables and controls for virtually every roof and gutter de-icing application to protect your home and business.

Our roof and gutter de-icing products are built to protect properties from the damage caused by ice dam formations. EasyHeat™ electric heating cables economically and efficiently reduce ice formation along roof edges, in gutters, drains and downspouts by providing a path for meltwater to flow off the roof. We offer the highest quality cables and controls for virtually every roof and gutter de-icing application to protect your home and business.

Our roof and gutter de-icing products are built to protect properties from the damage caused by ice dam formations. EasyHeat™ electric heating cables economically and efficiently reduce ice formation along roof edges, in gutters, drains and downspouts by providing a path for meltwater to flow off the roof. We offer the highest quality cables and controls for virtually every roof and gutter de-icing application to protect your home and business.

Organization is not about perfection. It is about efficiency, reducing stress and clutter, saving time and money and improving your overall quality of life. We love to provide design and quality while staging your home.CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION!

Please Note: White Oak French Doors are supplied unfinished (images may depict a finished door). Premium White Oak French Doors – Timeless Elegance & Lasting Durability Enhance your home or office with the 1-Lite White Oak French Door, meticulously crafted from a solid white oak core for exceptional durability and natural beauty. Featuring a full-lite glass panel, this door maximizes natural light while offering a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic. Whether used as a patio door, interior divider, or exterior entry, this versatile exterior white oak 1-lite full view french door with square sticking glass stop seamlessly complements modern, contemporary, and traditional designs. Designed for residential and commercial applications, our 1-lite white oak French doors are the perfect solution for high-traffic environments, including multifamily homes, offices, and hotels. Why Choose ETO Doors? ✔ Free Samples: Request a French Door Corner Sample to experience the superior quality of ETO Doors. ✔ Trade Discounts: Exclusive pricing available for contractors, architects, and designers. ✔ Best Prices Nationwide: We leverage mass production to manufacture high-quality solid core white oak French doors at the most competitive prices, passing significant savings directly to you. ✔ Versatile Applications: Our white oak French doors are ideal for new construction, renovations, and remodeling projects in both residential and commercial spaces. ✔ Customization Available: We offer custom sizing and design options to ensure the perfect fit for your project. Upgrade Your White Oak French Door with These Optional Features (Available at an Additional Cost) Low-E Glass: Choose dual-tempered Low-E glass to enhance energy efficiency, reduce noise, and lower heating and cooling costs. Pre-Hanging: Available pre-hung for interior or exterior use, with engineered white oak jambs or finger-jointed primed jambs. Offered in single or double pre-hung door units, with optional side-lites. Hurricane Impact Certification: Our Miami-Dade approved impact-rated white oak French doors provide superior storm protection. Designed to meet Florida Building Code Compliance, these hurricane-resistant doors offer maximum durability and safety.

Open floors typically feature large windows and a great deal of natural lighting. To bring privacy, energy efficiency, reduced glare and UV protection to a space, the right window treatments are essential.

CLTHouse is one Washington’s first homes of its kind. Constructed using Passive House techniques and built to exceed BUILT GREEN 4*requirements, the single-family home will deliver healthy indoor air, thermal comfort and easy accessibility to the city. Designed by atelierjones, the Madison Park home is built using cross laminate timber (CLT), a high performance material composed of layered wood and non-toxic glue to maximize energy efficiency, reduce waste and increase structural durability. The unique 1,485sf, 3bd/2ba home will feature a stunning cantilevered second story to provide space for the ground-level carport paved with salvaged foundation bricks, shou sugi ban fir siding and a rooftop terrace with neighborhood views and built-in planters for urban gardening. Images courtesy Lara Swimmer Photography

CLTHouse is one Washington’s first homes of its kind. Constructed using Passive House techniques and built to exceed BUILT GREEN 4*requirements, the single-family home will deliver healthy indoor air, thermal comfort and easy accessibility to the city. Designed by atelierjones, the Madison Park home is built using cross laminate timber (CLT), a high performance material composed of layered wood and non-toxic glue to maximize energy efficiency, reduce waste and increase structural durability. The unique 1,485sf, 3bd/2ba home will feature a stunning cantilevered second story to provide space for the ground-level carport paved with salvaged foundation bricks, shou sugi ban fir siding and a rooftop terrace with neighborhood views and built-in planters for urban gardening. Images courtesy Lara Swimmer Photography