Meyer Residence

Boston, MA

New construction, Single family residence, 1800 sf
Completion: 2014

Project Overview

Designed for a family, the house is located on the periphery of Jamaica Plain and Roslindale. The project balances aesthetics, high performance building systems, and affordability. The first floor is organized around a central stairwell that divides the service spaces from the family social spaces. A central gallery kitchen space unites living and dining areas and promotes interaction among family members.

Project Team

Hansy L. Better Barraza
Anthony J. Piermarini
Eun Joo Kim

Surveying Engineer

Framingham Survey, Consultants, Inc.

Civil Engineer

Boston Coastal Consulting

Landscape Architects

C2 Studio Landscape Architects

Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Engineer

Allied Consulting Engineering, Services, Inc.

Structural Engineer

Structures Workshop, Inc.

Custom Fabrication

Trimount Ironworks

General Contractor

Aedi Construction, LLC

Photography

John Horner
Tony Luong

Woodbourne Neighborhood

Local ecology, vibrant urban community

                    The neighborhood has evolved into a vibrant urban community, which maintains its connection to Boston’s Emerald Necklace; the Forest Hills Cemetery and Franklin Park are within walking distance. This house is responsive to the local ecology, promotes new habits for dwelling, and contributes to the culture of its place. 

                

Site, views and landscape

Windows for light and view, responding landscape

                    The topography of the site slopes from north to south, which informs the overall orientation of the building. This building takes advantage of the eastern garden views with large glazed windows openings into the inner block green space. The landscape strategy is designed to complement the building and enhance the way the spaces are perceived and used.

                

Energy Start Certified Home

Rainscreen System, Ibama and Sema Certified IPF Siding

                    The house is an Energy Star Certified home. utilizing high performance appliances, air tight construction, foam insulation that exceeds code, high performance glazing systems, mini-split heating and cooling, on-demand hot-water service, rain water management on site, as well a suite of ecologically sensitive finishes. The siding is a rain screen system, using IBAMA and SEMA certified IPE siding.
                

About the Single Family Residence

In Roslindale

Designed for a family, the house is located on the periphery of Jamaica Plain and Roslindale. The first floor is organized around a central stairwell that divides the service spaces from the family social spaces. The stairway, which penetrates all levels of the house including access to the roof deck, is made from perforated metal, custom bent to form the steps, and serves as a light-well and air chimney for the home. A central gallery kitchen space unites living and dining areas and promotes interaction among family members. On the second floor, there are 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and shared storage areas. A central hall with shared closet area anchors the spaces such that all family members share and interact. A full roof deck allows for ample outdoor space for family life.

The project balances aesthetics, high performance building systems, and affordability. The siding of the house is a rainscreen system. The vertical planks alternate between 6” and 4” widths to create a effect of compression and expansion. The rhythm is punctuated by vertical batons that catch the light and play with shadows across the surface of the building. The accent panels are made of painted cement board. The windows are high performance insulated glazing.