A young and growing family has purchased a beautiful woodland property in a historic neighborhood of a western Boston suburb. As one of the oldest areas in town, the neighborhood is characterized by large, mature trees and striking New England ledge outcroppings, adding to its unique charm. The family’s home, a historic stucco manor, is set to undergo several thoughtful renovations. They have requested the conversion of the existing porch into a kitchen, the addition of a second-floor bedroom, and the design of a new garage and carriage house.
The renovation plans include adding two new second-floor bedrooms over an existing flat-roofed family room, converting an existing second-floor bedroom into a laundry room, and removing the servant’s staircase to create a new second-floor bathroom. The ground-floor screen porch will be replaced with a spacious new kitchen, while the current kitchen will be transformed into a pantry hall and back entry. Additionally, the old side entry will be redesigned as the new front entry. The project also involves replacing all existing windows and doors, updating the slate roof with a new slate and copper roof, and removing the existing garage to build a new two-bay garage with a bonus space above, integrated into the natural slope of the land. Finally, the exterior of the property will be developed to create an inviting and functional outdoor space for generations to come.
The project faced several challenges, including strict local codes and zoning regulations, as well as the need for historic review. Excavating through the ledge to create a basement and garage foundation added further complexity. Innovative solutions were required to integrate a unique historic material palette while upgrading utilities and insulation without disrupting the original construction. The goal was to modernize the home while respecting its historic character, seamlessly transitioning from an older style of living to a contemporary, functional design.
The design focuses on seamlessly integrating the new spaces with the existing roofscape, ensuring a harmonious and cohesive appearance. By enhancing the character of the house, the project aims to achieve a timeless result that also elevates the exterior spaces. Utilizing the home’s existing materials—stucco, slate, stone, brick, and copper—helps create a stately composition that enriches both the visual appeal and overall experience of the place.
The project is progressing nicely but incomplete. We’ll update when we’re finished.
GF Architecture offers complete architectural design services. Our scope of services is refined to the requirements of each project. In addition to architectural services, we also provide site analysis and property planning consulting.
GF Architecture offers full-service custom residential and light commercial architectural design for clients throughout eastern Massachusetts –including Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket –and Rhode Island.
