SCOPE |
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Renovation |
CREDITS |
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Original Architect: John Nickols, 1957 |
AWARDS |
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Boston Society of Architects
Interior Design Citation - 2006
Society of American Registered Architects Award of Merit-Renovation- 2006 |
PUBLICATIONS + EXHIBITIONS |
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Dwell 100 Houses We Love Summer 2010
ArchitectureBoston Jan 2007
Stir Magazine Fall 2006
Dwell Magazine June 2006
Exhibited at BuildBoston Nov 2006
|
PHOTOGRAPHS |
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Jason Rogers |
DESCRIPTION
This is an interior renovation of a mid-century modern house located in the Boston suburbs. The materials and construction of this steel and glass floating house were very avant garde for 1957 when the house was built, but the house itself was "under the radar". It was not published at the time, and the architect who designed it was not famous. Consequently, the first design challenge was to convince the client that the house was worth preserving and that it could be enhanced.
Since the house was an example of cutting edge architecture in the 50's ASA strove to give the same feel to this reincarnation by specifying simple materials that would not have been available during the initial construction. The firm also reconfigured the floor plan to open up the space and take advantage of the views. This was done in the public space by removing the Kitchen wall and creating a large open kitchen. The Master Bedroom was relocated to the back of the house, with the new wood -burning fireplace on axis from the living room to take advantage of the 24 foot width.
In addition there were many sustainable elements that played a role in this project. Most of the products selected were green such as the bamboo floor, paint. Some were recycled. Others, such as the light fixtures were 'home-made'. Local craftsmen to minimize transport and draw on their expertise.
Since the house was an example of cutting edge architecture in the 50's ASA strove to give the same feel to this reincarnation by specifying simple materials that would not have been available during the initial construction. The firm also reconfigured the floor plan to open up the space and take advantage of the views. This was done in the public space by removing the Kitchen wall and creating a large open kitchen. The Master Bedroom was relocated to the back of the house, with the new wood -burning fireplace on axis from the living room to take advantage of the 24 foot width.
In addition there were many sustainable elements that played a role in this project. Most of the products selected were green such as the bamboo floor, paint. Some were recycled. Others, such as the light fixtures were 'home-made'. Local craftsmen to minimize transport and draw on their expertise.