Mid-sized transitional backyard stone patio photo in Portland with a fire pit and no cover

Two separate two-flats share a party wall to form one brick residential building in the Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, with 4 rental units. The interior of each two flat was reconfigured to become a single family house.

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

the project included a second floor addition and complete renovation of the first floor of an existing home in an historic neighborhood. walls were removed at the first floor to provide an open, light-filled family space, while a second floor addition provides bedrooms, a shared bathroom, laundry and playroom ericka mcconnell photograhpy

Gorgeous, gut-renovated 3 family brick row house with private backyard located in Jersey City Heights, a 1/2 mile to the Journal Square PATH station. Every inch of this beautiful, prestigious brick townhome has been recently renovated & upgraded. All apartments feature stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, quartz countertops, hardwood white shaker cabinets, restored original wood floors and beautiful window moldings. Shared basement with storage space and shared commercial washer/dryer. Common rooftop accessible through internal stairway with sweeping views of Manhattan. Better known to residents simply as ‘The Heights’ and often compared to as the next Brooklyn. Voted Curbed New York’s 2016 Neighborhood of the Year by readers, enjoy the thriving arts scene, local neighborhood fare and close proximity to Manhattan. This incredible opportunity to own a turnkey 3 family with great rental income will not last!

The owners of this home came to us with a plan to build a new high-performance home that physically and aesthetically fit on an infill lot in an old well-established neighborhood in Bellingham. The Craftsman exterior detailing, Scandinavian exterior color palette, and timber details help it blend into the older neighborhood. At the same time the clean modern interior allowed their artistic details and displayed artwork take center stage. We started working with the owners and the design team in the later stages of design, sharing our expertise with high-performance building strategies, custom timber details, and construction cost planning. Our team then seamlessly rolled into the construction phase of the project, working with the owners and Michelle, the interior designer until the home was complete. The owners can hardly believe the way it all came together to create a bright, comfortable, and friendly space that highlights their applied details and favorite pieces of art. Photography by Radley Muller Photography​ Design by Deborah Todd Building Design Services Interior Design by Spiral Studios​

Gorgeous, gut-renovated 3 family brick row house with private backyard located in Jersey City Heights, a 1/2 mile to the Journal Square PATH station. Every inch of this beautiful, prestigious brick townhome has been recently renovated & upgraded. All apartments feature stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, quartz countertops, hardwood white shaker cabinets, restored original wood floors and beautiful window moldings. Shared basement with storage space and shared commercial washer/dryer. Common rooftop accessible through internal stairway with sweeping views of Manhattan. Better known to residents simply as ‘The Heights’ and often compared to as the next Brooklyn. Voted Curbed New York’s 2016 Neighborhood of the Year by readers, enjoy the thriving arts scene, local neighborhood fare and close proximity to Manhattan. This incredible opportunity to own a turnkey 3 family with great rental income will not last!

Gorgeous, gut-renovated 3 family brick row house with private backyard located in Jersey City Heights, a 1/2 mile to the Journal Square PATH station. Every inch of this beautiful, prestigious brick townhome has been recently renovated & upgraded. All apartments feature stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, quartz countertops, hardwood white shaker cabinets, restored original wood floors and beautiful window moldings. Shared basement with storage space and shared commercial washer/dryer. Common rooftop accessible through internal stairway with sweeping views of Manhattan. Better known to residents simply as ‘The Heights’ and often compared to as the next Brooklyn. Voted Curbed New York’s 2016 Neighborhood of the Year by readers, enjoy the thriving arts scene, local neighborhood fare and close proximity to Manhattan. This incredible opportunity to own a turnkey 3 family with great rental income will not last!

Gorgeous, gut-renovated 3 family brick row house with private backyard located in Jersey City Heights, a 1/2 mile to the Journal Square PATH station. Every inch of this beautiful, prestigious brick townhome has been recently renovated & upgraded. All apartments feature stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, quartz countertops, hardwood white shaker cabinets, restored original wood floors and beautiful window moldings. Shared basement with storage space and shared commercial washer/dryer. Common rooftop accessible through internal stairway with sweeping views of Manhattan. Better known to residents simply as ‘The Heights’ and often compared to as the next Brooklyn. Voted Curbed New York’s 2016 Neighborhood of the Year by readers, enjoy the thriving arts scene, local neighborhood fare and close proximity to Manhattan. This incredible opportunity to own a turnkey 3 family with great rental income will not last!

The owners of this home came to us with a plan to build a new high-performance home that physically and aesthetically fit on an infill lot in an old well-established neighborhood in Bellingham. The Craftsman exterior detailing, Scandinavian exterior color palette, and timber details help it blend into the older neighborhood. At the same time the clean modern interior allowed their artistic details and displayed artwork take center stage. We started working with the owners and the design team in the later stages of design, sharing our expertise with high-performance building strategies, custom timber details, and construction cost planning. Our team then seamlessly rolled into the construction phase of the project, working with the owners and Michelle, the interior designer until the home was complete. The owners can hardly believe the way it all came together to create a bright, comfortable, and friendly space that highlights their applied details and favorite pieces of art. Photography by Radley Muller Photography​ Design by Deborah Todd Building Design Services Interior Design by Spiral Studios​

Gorgeous, gut-renovated 3 family brick row house with private backyard located in Jersey City Heights, a 1/2 mile to the Journal Square PATH station. Every inch of this beautiful, prestigious brick townhome has been recently renovated & upgraded. All apartments feature stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, quartz countertops, hardwood white shaker cabinets, restored original wood floors and beautiful window moldings. Shared basement with storage space and shared commercial washer/dryer. Common rooftop accessible through internal stairway with sweeping views of Manhattan. Better known to residents simply as ‘The Heights’ and often compared to as the next Brooklyn. Voted Curbed New York’s 2016 Neighborhood of the Year by readers, enjoy the thriving arts scene, local neighborhood fare and close proximity to Manhattan. This incredible opportunity to own a turnkey 3 family with great rental income will not last!

Gorgeous, gut-renovated 3 family brick row house with private backyard located in Jersey City Heights, a 1/2 mile to the Journal Square PATH station. Every inch of this beautiful, prestigious brick townhome has been recently renovated & upgraded. All apartments feature stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, quartz countertops, hardwood white shaker cabinets, restored original wood floors and beautiful window moldings. Shared basement with storage space and shared commercial washer/dryer. Common rooftop accessible through internal stairway with sweeping views of Manhattan. Better known to residents simply as ‘The Heights’ and often compared to as the next Brooklyn. Voted Curbed New York’s 2016 Neighborhood of the Year by readers, enjoy the thriving arts scene, local neighborhood fare and close proximity to Manhattan. This incredible opportunity to own a turnkey 3 family with great rental income will not last!

Gorgeous, gut-renovated 3 family brick row house with private backyard located in Jersey City Heights, a 1/2 mile to the Journal Square PATH station. Every inch of this beautiful, prestigious brick townhome has been recently renovated & upgraded. All apartments feature stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, quartz countertops, hardwood white shaker cabinets, restored original wood floors and beautiful window moldings. Shared basement with storage space and shared commercial washer/dryer. Common rooftop accessible through internal stairway with sweeping views of Manhattan. Better known to residents simply as ‘The Heights’ and often compared to as the next Brooklyn. Voted Curbed New York’s 2016 Neighborhood of the Year by readers, enjoy the thriving arts scene, local neighborhood fare and close proximity to Manhattan. This incredible opportunity to own a turnkey 3 family with great rental income will not last!

Gorgeous, gut-renovated 3 family brick row house with private backyard located in Jersey City Heights, a 1/2 mile to the Journal Square PATH station. Every inch of this beautiful, prestigious brick townhome has been recently renovated & upgraded. All apartments feature stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, quartz countertops, hardwood white shaker cabinets, restored original wood floors and beautiful window moldings. Shared basement with storage space and shared commercial washer/dryer. Common rooftop accessible through internal stairway with sweeping views of Manhattan. Better known to residents simply as ‘The Heights’ and often compared to as the next Brooklyn. Voted Curbed New York’s 2016 Neighborhood of the Year by readers, enjoy the thriving arts scene, local neighborhood fare and close proximity to Manhattan. This incredible opportunity to own a turnkey 3 family with great rental income will not last!

Gorgeous, gut-renovated 3 family brick row house with private backyard located in Jersey City Heights, a 1/2 mile to the Journal Square PATH station. Every inch of this beautiful, prestigious brick townhome has been recently renovated & upgraded. All apartments feature stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, quartz countertops, hardwood white shaker cabinets, restored original wood floors and beautiful window moldings. Shared basement with storage space and shared commercial washer/dryer. Common rooftop accessible through internal stairway with sweeping views of Manhattan. Better known to residents simply as ‘The Heights’ and often compared to as the next Brooklyn. Voted Curbed New York’s 2016 Neighborhood of the Year by readers, enjoy the thriving arts scene, local neighborhood fare and close proximity to Manhattan. This incredible opportunity to own a turnkey 3 family with great rental income will not last!

Gorgeous, gut-renovated 3 family brick row house with private backyard located in Jersey City Heights, a 1/2 mile to the Journal Square PATH station. Every inch of this beautiful, prestigious brick townhome has been recently renovated & upgraded. All apartments feature stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, quartz countertops, hardwood white shaker cabinets, restored original wood floors and beautiful window moldings. Shared basement with storage space and shared commercial washer/dryer. Common rooftop accessible through internal stairway with sweeping views of Manhattan. Better known to residents simply as ‘The Heights’ and often compared to as the next Brooklyn. Voted Curbed New York’s 2016 Neighborhood of the Year by readers, enjoy the thriving arts scene, local neighborhood fare and close proximity to Manhattan. This incredible opportunity to own a turnkey 3 family with great rental income will not last!

Gorgeous, gut-renovated 3 family brick row house with private backyard located in Jersey City Heights, a 1/2 mile to the Journal Square PATH station. Every inch of this beautiful, prestigious brick townhome has been recently renovated & upgraded. All apartments feature stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, quartz countertops, hardwood white shaker cabinets, restored original wood floors and beautiful window moldings. Shared basement with storage space and shared commercial washer/dryer. Common rooftop accessible through internal stairway with sweeping views of Manhattan. Better known to residents simply as ‘The Heights’ and often compared to as the next Brooklyn. Voted Curbed New York’s 2016 Neighborhood of the Year by readers, enjoy the thriving arts scene, local neighborhood fare and close proximity to Manhattan. This incredible opportunity to own a turnkey 3 family with great rental income will not last!

Gorgeous, gut-renovated 3 family brick row house with private backyard located in Jersey City Heights, a 1/2 mile to the Journal Square PATH station. Every inch of this beautiful, prestigious brick townhome has been recently renovated & upgraded. All apartments feature stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, quartz countertops, hardwood white shaker cabinets, restored original wood floors and beautiful window moldings. Shared basement with storage space and shared commercial washer/dryer. Common rooftop accessible through internal stairway with sweeping views of Manhattan. Better known to residents simply as ‘The Heights’ and often compared to as the next Brooklyn. Voted Curbed New York’s 2016 Neighborhood of the Year by readers, enjoy the thriving arts scene, local neighborhood fare and close proximity to Manhattan. This incredible opportunity to own a turnkey 3 family with great rental income will not last!

Gorgeous, gut-renovated 3 family brick row house with private backyard located in Jersey City Heights, a 1/2 mile to the Journal Square PATH station. Every inch of this beautiful, prestigious brick townhome has been recently renovated & upgraded. All apartments feature stainless steel Frigidaire appliances, quartz countertops, hardwood white shaker cabinets, restored original wood floors and beautiful window moldings. Shared basement with storage space and shared commercial washer/dryer. Common rooftop accessible through internal stairway with sweeping views of Manhattan. Better known to residents simply as ‘The Heights’ and often compared to as the next Brooklyn. Voted Curbed New York’s 2016 Neighborhood of the Year by readers, enjoy the thriving arts scene, local neighborhood fare and close proximity to Manhattan. This incredible opportunity to own a turnkey 3 family with great rental income will not last!