The Tory Row renovation is a multi-phased project that spanned nearly a decade, but the outcome is spectacular and has breathed new life into the old bones of this family’s home. Phase I infused new life into all the living spaces—kitchen, family rooms, bedrooms and libraries—including new mechanical systems and energy upgrades. All the original feather muntin windows were lovingly restored and counterbalanced so they raise with the touch of a finger.

Phase II centered on the basement build out with the addition of a new basement staircase, a new home theater and children’s play spaces, and new laundry and pantry facilities.

Historical note: Brattle Street is referred to as “Tory Row” by local historians, referencing the Tory loyalists who lived on Brattle Street. At the time of the American Revolutionary War, many Loyalists had large homes on this street. This home, the William Brattle House, is one of seven historic Colonial mansions in the area from the 18th century, sitting alongside the Longfellow House–Washingtons Headquarters National Historic Site (105 Brattle Street).

Samuel Atkins Eliot, a writer in the 1900’s, called the area; one of the most beautiful and historic streets in America.

DGS Architecture I Builder: Adams + Beasley Associates I Photography: Nat Rea

A couple in rural Wisconsin wanted to augment their revenue stream as they aged in place by adding an Airbnb onto their 1920’s farmhouse. The home is set on 11 acres near golf, fishing, cross-country skiing, and honey and maple syrup farms. But they also wanted flexibility in how the space could be used by future buyers of the property to strengthen the price point when their heirs went to sell.

DGS/a removed a kitchen bump-out and a nondescript family-room/garage addition that read like an afterthought and replaced them with a 1,600-square foot structure that has a front-facing gable. Its outlines suggest homey farmhouse but with a contemporary spin. Oversized windows and spare exterior detailing bring the structure into the twenty-first century. This twist on farmhouse vernacular does double duty by neither competing with the details of the original four-square, hip-roof home nor making the two facades appear like an incongruous mash-up. Setting the addition back a bit also softens the pairing, as does a red roof on each structure.

The Wayland renovation is a case study for transforming the ubiquitous post-war cape into a contemporary residence.  The exterior scale and massing reference the cape style, while the open floor plan, material selections and finish details speak to a contemporary sensibility.  Color, light and texture are the key selection criteria for all materials used throughout the project.     DGS Architecture provided complete architectural services, starting with schematic design and concluding with construction administration.  The project was completed in December 2015.

DGS Architecture | Images by Renee Cameron Photography

A recently retired couple wanted to renovate the family’s south shore summer cottage to achieve a low-maintenance, year-round, casual retreat. The main design goal was to expand the tiny cottage with a new addition that would pair seamlessly with the existing structure. The Client wanted the addition to look as though it had developed over 3 generations of ownership, while including all the amenities required for retirement. The new design references the scale, proportion and detailing of the original cottage. The home is connected to the outdoors by a generous deck, which allows for glimpses of the nearby pond. An extended entry joins the new garage to the cottage’s main living areas. All the new structures utilize simple, gabled forms. Many elements of the design--such as the weathered cedar shingles and organically-placed entry path fieldstones--blend with the natural wooded surroundings. The long, winding entry road elicits a strong sense of serenity, relaxation and distance from the grind of daily life. 

Designed with Vanecko Ltd. | Images by Renee Cameron Photography

The owner of this 1890's ocean-front home requested that the existing interior spaces be reimagined to reflect her eclectic design sensibility.  The project was a full-blown rehab from the interior floor plan to the exterior shell. The modern, open design facilitates the circulation between the entry and daily living spaces. The plan relocated the primary living spaces to the home’s ocean side, allowing the owner to interact with the waterfront views on a daily basis. The renovated exterior shell boasts all new energy efficient windows, insulation and period trim details. The interior, custom millwork evokes the home’s original grandeur. Within each room, refined, tactile finishes create a backdrop for the homeowner’s art collection. Once a dark warren of interior facing rooms, the home is now full of light, offering rich architectural textures and commanding ocean views in all directions.

DGS Architecture | Images by Renee Cameron Photography

In Latin a cella natatorium describes a swimming pool housed in its own structure. This New England natatorium does house a swimming pool; yet, it expands upon the definition to include luxury amenities such as a six-person hot tub, a curving water slide, an "endless pool" swimming machine and a catering kitchen. The main swimming hall is defined by curved, wood beams, on top of which rests a light-filled clerestory. The sun streams into the swimming hall during the morning hours and at night, the illuminated waterfalls create a festive atmosphere. The orangerie links the main house to the natatorium by a series of french doors, which open on to a grassy courtyard used as outdoor gathering space during the summer months. The swimming hall walls are finished with hand-applied, authentic Italian marble stucco which adds to the character of the natatorium experience. The mechanical room below the pool deck contains the required pumps, pipes, boilers and dehumidification equipment necessary to maintain this tropical environment in the New England climate.

Designed with Vanecko Ltd. | Images by Renee Cameron Photography