Project: Complete Renovation of an Existing 1920’s Brick Tudor Architects: Ruhl Studio Architects
Architects: Ruhl Studio Architects
Architectural Team:
William T. Ruhl, FAIA, Principal-in-charge
Sandra A. Jahnes, AIA, LEED AP Senior Architect
Nerijus Petrokas, LEED GA, Senior Designer
Kristin Bender Daaboul, AIA assoc., LEED GA, NCIDQ
Structural Engineer: Richmond So Engineers
General Contractor: Gilman, Guidelli & Bellow
Landscape: Lemon Brooke
Location: Newton, Massachusetts, United States
Photography: Nat Rea
Modernizing a 1920’s brick Tudor: modern and Tudor can coexist quite happily. This project entailed the complete renovation of an existing 1920’s brick Tudor, plus a 4’x20’ addition that allowed us to completely reconfigure the existing stair and all circulation.
The existing house forced our clients to walk up 3 steps then down 2 steps to get from the front door to the kitchen. Getting upstairs was even more convoluted. Local zoning regulations prevented us from adding space for a new stair so instead we figured out a strategy to get just enough new space that we could flip the stair orientation within its existing location and open the entire house up to the central light-filled stairway.
The new stair has open risers that allow natural light to fill the center of the house on all levels; its rift sawn white oak slabs float free and add a sculptural counterpoint to the otherwise monochromatic interior. The addition is overtly modern but its material palette is compatible with the original brick and slate house. The house was brought up from 1920’s standards to current energy and insulation standards from top to bottom.
