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

Tricia Shay Photography
Kitchen - contemporary u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen idea in Milwaukee with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an undermount sink

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

A little farm below a hillside resort-style off-the-grid view home, all offering unparalleled views of the Sonoma Valley and year-round sunsets from every corner of this truly special lot. State-of-the-art sustainable features are incorporated throughout the fully utilized 3 acres, emphasizing self-sufficiency and durability. This small compound property boasts multiple gathering spaces, playgrounds, and an extensive network of paths for communing with nature and slowing down the pace of life and promoting the healthiest of lifestyle in the heart of the Wine Country. Ideal for both small and large-scale entertainment, every aspect of this freshly built, compound-like estate, thoughtfully designed and with no spared expenses in above and below-ground infrastructure, creating a truly unique property. Perfect for a family, a private couple retreat, or a recreational oasis, it offers dramatic and spectacular views from every level. The floor plan is very versatile and can accommodate multiple uses and configurations, but particular efforts were placed in spending time outside on the multiple decks or in the terraced gardens or tiered gathering spaces. Developed with a strong emphasis on safety and self-sustenance, the property can operate off the grid, produce its own water, food, and energy, all with the latest technologies and smarthome features. Noble and durable materials are incorporated throughout, including water reuse systems, meticulous hydrology, and marvels of civil engineering to create a unique and peaceful promontory overlooking wineries and magically chiselled landscapes to create the perfect backdrop year round, featuring a dynamic that is just as interesting during the day, and different most days, and extraordinary at night both looking down in the valley and to gaze at the starry sky. Save money and the environment, or withdraw from the world by utilizing self-sufficiency. Deliberate restraint was exercised to contain or eliminate any carbon footprint and promote indoor outdoor living at its finest. This view property is conveniently located minutes away from the town of Glen Ellen and straddles both Sonoma and Napa County, offering all the best of the Wine Country life, while being close to San Francisco as well.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.

Fibrocon proudly presents Lineadecor Kitchens. Kitchens are manufactured by the production facility of Lineadecor with the experience and knowledge it has acquired in the wooden sector. Lineadecor has played a leading role in the development of modular kitchen sector through constantly improving its technology-based and human-oriented investments. Making significant investments in its infrastructure to achieve its predetermined objectives, Lineadecor renewed its entire manufacturing facility with high-level technologies upon putting its production facilities in operation in 2006. Today, Lineadecor kitchens are manufactured with a modern understanding by the production facility located over an area of 30,000 m2. Following technological developments in the world closely in line with its objective of being a global brand, Lineadecor has established an electronic infrastructure allowing for monitoring any stage from manufacturing to distribution. Annual manufacturing capacity has reached 25,000 kitchens as a result of the excellence achieved through the cutting-edge technology used and ERP system applied.