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.

Situated on the edge of New Hampshire’s beautiful Lake Sunapee, this Craftsman-style shingle lake house peeks out from the towering pine trees that surround it. When the clients approached Cummings Architects, the lot consisted of 3 run-down buildings. The challenge was to create something that enhanced the property without overshadowing the landscape, while adhering to the strict zoning regulations that come with waterfront construction. The result is a design that encompassed all of the clients’ dreams and blends seamlessly into the gorgeous, forested lake-shore, as if the property was meant to have this house all along. The ground floor of the main house is a spacious open concept that flows out to the stone patio area with fire pit. Wood flooring and natural fir bead-board ceilings pay homage to the trees and rugged landscape that surround the home. The gorgeous views are also captured in the upstairs living areas and third floor tower deck. The carriage house structure holds a cozy guest space with additional lake views, so that extended family and friends can all enjoy this vacation retreat together. Photo by Eric Roth

ミルウォーキーにある高級な中くらいなトラディショナルスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (レンガサイディング、ウッドシングル張り) の写真

For those seeking an urban lifestyle in the suburbs, this is a must see! Brand new detached single family homes with main and upper levels showcasing gorgeous panoramic mountain views. Incredibly efficient, open concept living with bold design trendwatchers are sure to embrace. Bright & airy spaces include an entertainers kitchen with cool eclectic accents & large great room provides space to dine & entertain with huge windows capturing spectacular views. Resort inspired master suite with divine bathroom & private balcony. Lower-level bonus room has attached full bathroom & wet bar - 4th bedroom or space to run an in-home business, which is permitted by zoning. No HOA & a prime location just 2 blocks from savory dining & fun entertainment!

グランドラピッズにある高級なコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (コンクリートサイディング) の写真

Located in the quaint neighborhood of Park Slope, Brooklyn this row house needed some serious love. Good thing the team was more than ready dish out their fair share of design hugs. Stripped back to the original framing both inside and out, the house was transformed into a shabby-chic, hipster dream abode. Complete with quintessential exposed brick, farm house style large plank flooring throughout and a fantastic reclaimed entry door this little gem turned out quite cozy.

Builder - Innovate Construction (Brady Roundy) Photography - Jared Medley
ソルトレイクシティにある高級なカントリー風のおしゃれな家の外観 (レンガサイディング) の写真

View from rear garden
他の地域にある高級なトラディショナルスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (漆喰サイディング、デュープレックス) の写真

ベルリンにある高級な巨大なコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれな家の外観の写真

Diese Doppelvilla wurde im Bauhausstil in Oberursel errichtet. Klare Linien und Formen bestimmen das Haus ebenso, wie ein lebendiges Spiel mit offenen und geschlossenen Fassadenflächen. Terrassen orientieren sich nach drei Besonnungsrichtungen: Frühstücksterrasse, Dachterrasse mit Blick nach Süden und Abendterrasse. Beide Häuser zeichnen sich durch lichtdurchflutete großzügige Räume und geringen Verkehrsflächenanteil aus. Äußerlich fast identisch, geht der Entwurf jedoch im Inneren mit individuell gestalteten Grundrissen auf die Bedürfnisse und Wünsche der Bauherren ein.

Color Consultation using Romabio Biodomus on Brick and Benjamin Regal Select on Trim/Doors/Shutters
アトランタにある高級なトランジショナルスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (レンガサイディング) の写真

This solid brick masonry home is playful yet sophisticated. The traditional elements paired with modern touches create a unique yet recognizable house. A good example of how buildings can have infinite variations and character while also conforming to the archetypes that we recognize, find comfort in, and love. This home reimagines one of the oldest and most durables forms of building--structural brick masonry--in the modern context. With over 60,000 brick and foot-thick walls, this home will endure for centuries. Designed by Austin Tunnell.

Fine House Photography
ロンドンにある高級な中くらいなコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (レンガサイディング、マルチカラーの外壁、タウンハウス) の写真

Vue extérieure de la maison
ルアーブルにある高級な中くらいなコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (コンクリートサイディング、タウンハウス) の写真

ミネアポリスにある高級なトランジショナルスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (ビニールサイディング) の写真

Recupero di edificio d'interesse storico
他の地域にある高級な小さなラスティックスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (石材サイディング、マルチカラーの外壁、混合材屋根) の写真

Walter Elliott Photography
チャールストンにある高級なビーチスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (コンクリート繊維板サイディング) の写真

フェニックスにある高級なトラディショナルスタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (レンガサイディング) の写真

Front Exterior
カルガリーにある高級なコンテンポラリースタイルのおしゃれな家の外観 (混合材サイディング) の写真