Studio Luz Architects

Overview   ..............................................................................................................

The design responds to the historic context of the site, and consists of a primary wood frame construction, with brick, fiber cement, and metal accents on the exterior facades, accommodating 4 townhouse style units, 4 apartment flats, and below grade parking. The building acts as the urban threshold that weaves together the larger scale of buildings located along the high spine of the city and the lower scale of the older and smaller residential fabric found in Bay Village. The townhouse  flats are floor through units, which create stacked living situations. This organization is expressed most significantly at the intersection of Piedmont and Church Street. This corner has an interlocking massing of large windows, resembling a dovetail.

The organization of units side-by-side is articulated by “Zipper Course” brickwork. Entries are recessed in keeping with the local residences, and the brick facade above the entry features “Stubble Course” brickwork that further demarcates the entries. Projected bays are clad in metal and relate to the main living spaces. The design incorporates two types of brick; an iron spot red and iron spot charcoal brick which further distinguish the unit types and relates to the overall historic character of the neighborhood.

Sustainable practices were considered during the design process. Brick was used for the exterior skin because it now requires 70% less energy to produce than it did in 1970, it was locally sourced and due to its durability and permanence qualities, it is less likely to end up in a landfill. High performance foam insulation was used throughout the project with the building envelop exceeding code requirements. Sustainable harvested wood, LOW or NO-VOC paints and finishes were used throughout. The project also met Energy Star Standards and met the Massachusetts STRETCH Code.