2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

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

It’s not uncommon for the primary bedroom to be an upper floor in an older home. Such was the case with Park House and as the owners were getting older, the desire to walk up a full flight of stairs multiple times a day was starting to become undesirable. The owners wanted to find away to create a new primary bedroom suite on the main floor of the house, which would allow the upstairs rooms to be dedicated for guests. The existing home had a 2-car garage attached to the rear façade, and was fed by a large expansive concrete driveway and lawn area. Both areas were largely unused, but afforded enough space for a new addition to be added to the house, and then a separate garage structure built adjacent to it. Our team developed a couple of sketch floor plan options on how such as an addition could work alongside a separate new garage structure. One of the goals for the project was that it had to feel like it belonged with the house in that it couldn’t be jarringly modern. The result is a new rear addition that harmoniously blends in with the existing home that provides a large tranquil bedroom with a spa-like bathroom on the main floor. In addition, a new rear entry vestibule was designed as a transition point between new and old, while also providing space for an adjacent laundry room. The new addition also provided an opportunity to create an enclosed private courtyard with lush landscaping and enough space for large family gatherings.

It’s not uncommon for the primary bedroom to be an upper floor in an older home. Such was the case with Park House and as the owners were getting older, the desire to walk up a full flight of stairs multiple times a day was starting to become undesirable. The owners wanted to find away to create a new primary bedroom suite on the main floor of the house, which would allow the upstairs rooms to be dedicated for guests. The existing home had a 2-car garage attached to the rear façade, and was fed by a large expansive concrete driveway and lawn area. Both areas were largely unused, but afforded enough space for a new addition to be added to the house, and then a separate garage structure built adjacent to it. Our team developed a couple of sketch floor plan options on how such as an addition could work alongside a separate new garage structure. One of the goals for the project was that it had to feel like it belonged with the house in that it couldn’t be jarringly modern. The result is a new rear addition that harmoniously blends in with the existing home that provides a large tranquil bedroom with a spa-like bathroom on the main floor. In addition, a new rear entry vestibule was designed as a transition point between new and old, while also providing space for an adjacent laundry room. The new addition also provided an opportunity to create an enclosed private courtyard with lush landscaping and enough space for large family gatherings.

It’s not uncommon for the primary bedroom to be an upper floor in an older home. Such was the case with Park House and as the owners were getting older, the desire to walk up a full flight of stairs multiple times a day was starting to become undesirable. The owners wanted to find away to create a new primary bedroom suite on the main floor of the house, which would allow the upstairs rooms to be dedicated for guests. The existing home had a 2-car garage attached to the rear façade, and was fed by a large expansive concrete driveway and lawn area. Both areas were largely unused, but afforded enough space for a new addition to be added to the house, and then a separate garage structure built adjacent to it. Our team developed a couple of sketch floor plan options on how such as an addition could work alongside a separate new garage structure. One of the goals for the project was that it had to feel like it belonged with the house in that it couldn’t be jarringly modern. The result is a new rear addition that harmoniously blends in with the existing home that provides a large tranquil bedroom with a spa-like bathroom on the main floor. In addition, a new rear entry vestibule was designed as a transition point between new and old, while also providing space for an adjacent laundry room. The new addition also provided an opportunity to create an enclosed private courtyard with lush landscaping and enough space for large family gatherings.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

Cleary O'Farrell
Small minimalist blue two-story house exterior photo in Seattle with a shed roof

When the owners of this Sea Ranch property approached David Moulton AIA and Empire Construction they were seeking our help to answer a couple of design challenges. The first challenge was to create a weather proof walkway between the main house, a separate building that served as a study, and an adjacent bedroom over the garage. Between these buildings there was a beautiful collection of towering Redwood trees and a glade of ferns. Over the years the owners had observed that a wonderful array of wildlife made their way across the property through these tress and ferns. It was not unusual to glance out their window and see Deer, Jackrabbits, Fox and the occasional Bobcat between the trees. Longtime lovers of the forest and native landscape, as well as avid dog and cat owners, they felt very strongly that the design include the preservation of each and every tree, the glade of ferns and the wildlife thoroughfare. From the start then, the design required something suspended above the landscape.

Photography by Gillian Jackson
Transitional eat-in kitchen photo in Toronto with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This home renovation includes two separate projects that took five months each – a basement renovation and master bathroom renovation. The basement renovation created a sanctuary for the family – including a lounging area, pool table, wine storage and wine bar, workout room, and lower level bathroom. The space is integrated with the gorgeous exterior landscaping, complete with a pool overlooking the lake. The master bathroom renovation created an elegant spa like environment for the couple to enjoy. Additionally, improvements were made in the living room and kitchen to improve functionality and create a more cohesive living space for the family.

This home renovation includes two separate projects that took five months each – a basement renovation and master bathroom renovation. The basement renovation created a sanctuary for the family – including a lounging area, pool table, wine storage and wine bar, workout room, and lower level bathroom. The space is integrated with the gorgeous exterior landscaping, complete with a pool overlooking the lake. The master bathroom renovation created an elegant spa like environment for the couple to enjoy. Additionally, improvements were made in the living room and kitchen to improve functionality and create a more cohesive living space for the family.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

We used translucent glass, mirrors and windows to invite a deeper look into the space. To balance this complex layering of architectural elements, we opted for repeated geometric forms and an understated material palette. White walls form a quiet backdrop for the rich teak cabinetry and bold modern art. An 8-foot-long custom concrete countertop with integrated dual sinks anchors the space with its earth tone and sculptural feel. Handmade tiles add to the room’s warmth with their natural color variations and pleasant tactile quality. The floor is herringbone field limestone, and the shower surround is clad with Pratt & Larson parquet ceramic. Custom sliding glass doors with tracks that disappear into the ceiling and a handle carved directly into sandblasted glass allow the material to speak for itself. Pocket doors separate the master bedroom, master bath, and the dressing area, so that the couple can get ready in the morning with ease. The powder room door opens into the hallway near the stairs. The homeowners now have a whole new experience of the top floor. Walking from the sitting room to the master bathroom, one transitions from an expansive bay view to an otherworldly nest hidden in the trees. And so it is that a daily activity is elevated to a one-of-a-kind experience. Photo by Scott Hargis

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.

2013 NARI Capital CotY, Merit Award Winner, Creative Solutions under $15,000 Objective: This couple was tired of the old brick look of their family room and its embedded fireplace. They wanted to uplift the entire room, with better lighting, updated built ins and new gas log fireplace. Challenges: It was not an easy task to get rid of all masonry and brick wall. Gas lines and powder line were quite distance away and the family room floor was a concrete slab. Design solutions: It was important for the couple to create an optional separation between the family room and the kitchen for times that she is having her book club gang over and husband wanted to watch his sporting events. Part of the wall between kitchen and family room was taken by a closet. We have removed that entire wall and implemented a 6” wide Barn door for a partial solution to their problem. New wiring for light and cable wires were running into the old masonry wall. Gas line gave the old wood burning fireplace and new life. Custom built in cabinetry was placed in place old masonry wall. A new stone hearth and surround wrapped around the new fireplace. New hardwood wide plank flooring gave this family room warmth. New recess lighting has offered a much brighter room. Outcome: He gets to enjoy his favorite football team beat up the rebels while she gets to have her tea party around the kitchen table. And in all other occasions they get to cuddle by the flames of a new fireplace.