RENOVATION + ADDITION PROJECTS
THOMAS STREET RESIDENCE
PLYMOUTH, MA
BARN STYLE ADDITION TO AN 18TH CENTURY HOME
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- Added a new master bedroom suite
- Expanded and upgraded kitchen
- New half bath
- New full partially finished basement
- New high efficiency mechanical system

STRAWBERRY HILL ROAD RESIDENCE
FALMOUTH, MA​
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
Improve functionality, energy efficiency, increase the comfort, lower the operating costs, and extend the life of this house constructed in 1976 on Cape Cod, MA.
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STRATEGIES EMPLOYED
We focused on the building envelope design, specifically, proper insulation and air sealing and a new high efficiency mechanical system.
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IMPLEMENTATION​
The building envelope design was the most critical factor in enabling us to achieve a high performance rating. Among the noteworthy features are:
- Increased insulation levels to exceed those required by building codes
- The virtual elimination of any thermal bridging between the interior and exterior spaces which accounted for roughly a ≈25% increase in overall insulation effectiveness​
- A carefully detailed drainage plane which controls the movement of rainwater away from the building's wood frame​
- A nearly air-tight building shell
The original 1976 gas furnace and 12 year old hot water heater were replaced with a new high efficiency gas boiler and indirect fired hot water heater.
A hydronic radiant floor was installed in all new and renovated rooms. It will require a lower boiler water temperature than other mechanical heating systems and will be more cost effective to operate.
The old air handlers and air conditioning condenser were replaced with new and more energy efficient units.
A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) was installed to provide fresh air when needed, exhaust stale air, and maintain a healthy level of air changes per hour (ACH).
TRIUMPH STREET RESIDENCE
​FALMOUTH, MA​
​This project consisted of two small renovations. one project was a bathroom gut and remodel, and the other was a building repair and energy efficiency upgrade consisting of air sealing, insulation, radiant floor heat, and reconfigured mechanical system.
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JACQUES LOEB RESIDENCE
WOODS HOLE, MA
​​This project consisted of several additions. One was the creation of a driveway for the client. Another was the addition of a new laundry area and covered porch. A third involved the addition of an outdoor deck and the fourth consisted of creating access to an outdoor shower from inside the house.
FROG POND RESIDENCE
WOODS HOLE, MA
This project began with a Kitchen renovation in a 100 year old bungalow. All work was confined to the existing footprint but the new kitchen was designed to be open, both visually and functionally, to the adjacent dining area and living areas.
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The exterior walls were gutted and insulated with closed cell spray foam which provided exceptional air sealing and insulating R-values that exceeded building code requirements. Energy Star appliances, bamboo flooring and recycled materials in the countertops were also part of this kitchen renovation project.
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After completing the kitchen renovation, we began a small Library/Study addition on the opposite side of the existing bungalow. Once again we used closed cell spray foam to insulate and air seal the walls, roof and floor of this addition. The mechanical equipment was replaced with a more energy efficient unit and a separate zone was designated for the new spaces which would require less energy to heat and cool. Rapidly renewable bamboo was chosen for the flooring and for the built-in reading nook.
The design creates a strong visual connection to the natural surroundings with extensive glass facing the rear and side yards. The wrap around deck further reinforces this relationship with a physical link between interior and exterior spaces. Clerestory windows at the top of the tower above the reading nook operate with the flip of a switch allowing for natural convection to cool the room eliminating the need for air conditioning.
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The project also spread into the living room where a deteriorating masonry fireplace was removed and a new gas fireplace capable of heating the entire existing first floor space was installed. Floor to ceiling bookshelves were designed around this fireplace with a built-in niche for a flat screen television.
STONEY BEACH RESIDENCE
WOODS HOLE, MA
Working closely with the Conservation Commission and the Zoning Board was a key factor in the design of this project which is just steps away from the beach. The flood plain elevations dictated that the first floor of this addition be more than half a story higher than the existing cottage so it was important that the design take into account overall building heights as well as the scale and proportion of individual architectural elements.
Respecting the architecture of the existing structure, we replicated the exposed rafter details on the new construction and matched roof pitches for the dominant roof lines. Window sizes and trim details were kept simple and consistent with the existing home. The small six sided tower element that anchors the corner of the new apartment is reflective of an architectural feature seen throughout this small village and provides comfortable, cozy and intimate interior spaces on both levels with panoramic views of the waters of Woods Hole.