Project Description
Priorities
• Create a spacious mudroom and playroom
• Bring in more light
Solutions
The Italians call it piano nobile,
a raised main floor of a palazzo that provides a sense of grandeur and
elegance. Many old Boston townhouses have this feature, including the
circa 1815 North End home in this remodel. To keep that aspect but gain
access to the basement level, architect Treffle LaFleche cut back the
main floor of the front entryway and inserted a stairwell. (He
eliminated the existing basement stairwell in the middle of the house.)
The front windows now allow borrowed light to drop into what was a
low-ceilinged windowless space. F.H. Perry Builder lowered the basement
floor in what LaFleche describes as “a series of structural gymnastics.”
The need for a railing became an opportunity for the clients to
commission an artwork. With 34 pieces of custom-cut layered textured
glass supported by a custom steel stair railing and framework, the
sculpted “screen” captures and refracts daylight and is a work of art.
“It’s the very first thing you see as you step in the front door,”
LaFleche says. “It completely enlivens the arrival experience.”
The new mudroom is outfitted with a custom concrete-topped island
that houses a refrigerator and freezer drawers, dry storage, an umbrella
rack, and wrapping paper storage. There’s also a large clean-up sink
and abundant storage for everything from shoes to bags to skis.
Judges’ Comments
The judges felt that the whole house is well done. Details are crisp
and clean, and the new stairwell that leads straight to the basement
brings in much-needed light. The judges felt that the project is perhaps
slightly finicky, but is interesting in its use of custom details and
good craftsmanship.
Read the Before + After feature on this project.
Products
Countertops: The Slab Lab Concrete Studio, custom
Flooring: Giordano Custom Concrete, custom stain
Interior doors: Tradern Fine Woodworking, custom
Kitchen cabinets: Tradern Woodworking, custom
Kitchen plumbing fittings: Julien
Lighting fixtures: Lightolier
Paints/stains: Benjamin Moore
Refrigerator: Sub-Zero
Windows: Hope’s Windows
Other: WovenSteel, stair rail; Bendheim, glass screen