As a Boston architecture firm dedicated to pushing the boundaries of high-end residential design, ONY Architecture is thrilled to unveil a sneak peek at our latest residential project currently on the boards.
Set to begin construction soon, this 4,500-square-foot single-family home is located in a quiet, established Boston neighborhood. The project represents a complex architectural challenge that we delight in: replacing a dilapidated structure with modern architecture that respects the scale of its traditional context while asserting a confident, contemporary identity.
Navigating a Complex Boston Topography
Every great design begins with a deep understanding of the site. This particular lot presented a unique topographical puzzle common to the region, requiring a nuanced approach.
The site features a dual slope: it descends parallel to the street from south to north, and simultaneously drops off steeply toward the backyard. A standard approach would have resulted in a towering, imposing rear facade due to the grade change. Our goal was to root the home into the landscape, rather than having it sit awkwardly atop it.
Sculpting a Modern Solution
To address the significant changes in elevation and mitigate vertical scale, our design team approached the massing sculpturally.
We reinterpret the traditional neighborhood gable roofline through a sharp, modern lens. A key design move involves the standing seam metal roof, which doesn't just cover the top of the house but "drapes" down onto the primary facade. This continuous material transition breaks up the verticality of the elevation, grounding the structure visually.
Furthermore, on the north side and rear (as seen in the renderings), the upper levels cantilever boldly beyond the light-colored brick foundation. This not only adds dynamic visual tension characteristic of modern design but aids in breaking down the overall scale of the home.
Details and Materiality
The exterior palette is a sophisticated study in contrast and texture, suited for luxury residential design. We are utilizing a combination of dark charcoal shingle siding, the sleek verticality of standing seam metal, and a warm, grounding brick base.
Strategic subtractions from the building's volume create functional yet beautiful moments. Exterior walls are pushed in and angled to carve out a sheltered, formal entrance canopy at the front, and a private primary bedroom balcony on the upper level.
At the rear, expansive modern glazing opens the living spaces to the outdoors, connecting the interior to multi-level ipe wood decks that navigate the sloping backyard—a quintessential feature for high-end urban living.
Coming Soon
This project exemplifies ONY Architecture’s commitment to creating bespoke, site-specific solutions that merge structural challenges with aesthetic elegance. We look forward to moving this project from "on the boards" to reality in the coming months.
