beacon hill residence

Boston, USA

Photo © vir.mueller architects

Residential

Architects: vir.mueller architects

Year: 2004

Situated in Boston’s historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, this project involved the adaptive reuse of a mid-18th century townhouse. Our client requested a complete remodel, unifying two separate rental apartments on the third and fourth floor into a single residence. A mahogany door on the second floor initiates the entry into the stair enclosure - fabricated in bronze metal screen and glass. This “lantern” illuminates the stair and entry lobby, filtering light from the skylight by day, and emanating artificial light from recessed fixtures by night. Oversized mahogany sliding doors wrap the entry area, delineating the kitchen-dining area, living room, office and a guest bathroom.

The new kitchen overlooks one of Beacon Hill’s “secret gardens”, and its south-facing windows offer views of downtown Boston. A cantilevered structural plate steel island contains the oven and cooktop. Sandblasted steel angles clad the kitchen wall and support open mahogany shelves. The granite kitchen counter and backsplash reflect light and views from the southern windows. Bedrooms, bathrooms and a lounge for the family are situated on the fourth floor. The existing hardwood floors were sanded and refinished, and the original doors were recycled for use in the bedrooms.