Modern Attic Renovation | Attic - Kitchen - Living Room - Whole House | Newton

Story

This project was born out of misfortune. An attic fire rendered the cramped and compartmentalized spaces on the third floor of this home unlivable. In the aftermath, our client decided to transform this area of the home into a meditation studio that could also function as a studio apartment in the future. Along with the aesthetic desire for simple tranquility, our client had three additional requirements for the new space: more light, an open and airy look and feel, and comfort without the climatic extremes one typically finds in an attic.

Taking advantage of the opportunity left in destruction’s wake, the Feinmann design team utilized bold gestures and breathed new life into this traditional Georgian house. In order to find more natural light, we had to rethink one of the defining characteristics of the Georgian house: the widow’s walk. By introducing a series of domed skylights to the flat portion of the roof, space went from dark and claustrophobic to sun-filled during the day and moonlit at night, while still preserving the historic stature of the house.

The largest challenge on this project was structural. To take full advantage of the new skylights – making sure every corner of the new space was flooded with light – we redesigned the floor and roof structure to create an open loft-like space with a cathedral ceiling. We designed an innovative structural system that we integrated into the existing floor and roof structure, thereby creating a self-supporting diaphragm.

While the space was designed primarily as a meditation studio, it needed to maintain its potential to be a residence at some future point. Using a slightly lower tray ceiling in the kitchen area allowed us to maintain some definition of discrete space and scale. The full bath and walk-in closet were tucked in and around the central chimney core keeping them functionally separate and private.

Awards

2009 EM NARI CotY Silver Award Best Interior Project

Testimonial

We fell in love with our 1880 house because of its historic and classical style. But a fire on the third floor led to a complete rethinking of our attic and what it could be.

A Room for All Seasons

We loved having entire Feinmann team in our home and appreciated them treating it like it was their own. The work they did is all over-the-top gorgeous. They coached us to select products and finishes that will last a lifetime (and through our toddler), and the craftsmanship with which it was all executed certainly will hold up to time. I admire daily the integration of existing and new, and regret only that in time I’ll likely forget which is which. Feinmann is masterful at what they do. I really can’t say enough nice things about them, and their work.

- Cambridge, MA

From start to finish of the project our ideas were heard and creatively addressed. The quality of the final results are even better than we imagined. Our home feels completely new and we love the improved living space! As far as the team, they are fantastic, personable, timely, has great ideas and always seem to stay calm and in charge, ready to problem solve. The carpenters are a delight to work with and the quality of their carpentry and building skills are impressive, always smiling and offering a “can do” attitude.

- Leveling Up for Grand Entertaining

Feinmann is a top-notch company in every category! We have worked with them on three separate occasions: a complete kitchen remodel (2017), three bathrooms (2016), and a room addition (2011). Working with the Feinmann team was truly a great pleasure! Everyone in the company is committed to quality work, the projects were run proficiently and professionally, they provided the highest quality workmanship, and we always received timely responses to our questions and concerns. My wife and I would consider no-one else for our new project!

- European, Contemporary Kitchen Remodel

We are very happy with the experience we had with Feinmann in what was a pretty extensive remodel. First of all, their design team truly developed a great vision for the house, beyond what we had imagined. Through the remodel, which by its nature is an arduous process (living without a kitchen for a while), the Feinmann team was very collaborative and supportive, managed well and the results have truly transformed our house. We’re extremely happy with the outcome.

- Hosting Haven Meets Artistic Angles

Feinmann took a real interest in building a kitchen that would fit the design of the house and meet our needs. That was when we knew that they were the best choice for us. Anyone can rip out a kitchen and put in some new counters and cabinets, but we wanted someone who cared about design, style, and function.

- White, Waves and Blue Kitchen