Grafton Hill Contemporary
Project Details
Year: 2020 - 2023
Location: Worcester, MA
Type: Rehabilitation & Addition
Size: 2,576 sf
Status: Completed
Delivery Method: Integrated Project Delivery
Designer: Pacific-Visions Studio LLC
Structural Engineer: Craig A. Thomas, PE
Civil Engineer: Craig A. Thomas, PE
Contractor: G and O Construction, Inc.
Design Consultant: Fagan Design Build Studio
Photos: Pacific-Visions Studio LLC
Project Description
The Pacific Visions team was hired to design a contemporary three-story residential addition and rehabilitation project in Worcester, Massachusetts. The owners were interested in a complete revamp of their 1890’s homes to suit the spatial needs and amenities of the 21st century. The new three-story tower with a master bedroom at the top level provides a scenic view of the Worcester skyline. Other features include a new kitchen, dining, and mudroom space on the first floor level, as well as two new bedrooms on the second story level. Another goal of this project was to preserve as much of the existing foundation, floor, and exterior stud wall structure as possible while updating the finishes and thermal / moisture protections to suit modern living.
Grafton Hill Contemporary - The Existing House
Interior Photograph - Kitchen Layout after Renovation
Interior Photograph - Main Stair Detail
The design for this project utilizes a clean, contemporary aesthetic overlaying the framework and character of the existing worker cottage. The proposed tower stands proud from the existing house and gives the property a sense of prominence over the hilled outer suburbs of Worcester.
Despite preserving the primary structural elements of the existing house, it was a goal to open up the interior of the first floor level to make the spaces flow together more efficiently. The proposed living room, kitchen, and dining room are not separated by any partition walls, allowing for ease of access from one space to the next.
In maintaining the form of the existing home, we worked to create a new roof with the same ridge slope and elevation while creating more headroom on the second floor for new bedrooms and the proposed second floor bathroom. We were able to achieve this early design concept by dormering significant portions of the roof to make better use of second floor space.
Proposed Interior Rendering - New Master Bedroom
“This three-story residential structure gives the owners of the property an open, contemporary home built around the bones of the existing structure. The proposed tower provides a unique, birds eye view of the Worcester skyline from the outer suburbs of the city.”
Second Floor Photograph - Second Floor Bedroom View
Exterior Rendered View - Proposed House view from street
Exterior Photograph - View from Street after Construction