Transformation and sustainable upgrade of an 18th century single family residence in Cambridge, MA. A new double-height space gives a sense of connection to the living areas and brings natural light into the heart of the house. The design preserves and expresses the historic heavy timber building frame, juxtaposing new and old. A new stair provides a clear circulation pattern while incorporating additional storage and informal seating areas.

The renovation includes new insulation in the walls and roof to mitigate conductive heat losses, an air-tight membrane to greatly reduce infiltration, a heat-recovery ventilation system, and an energy-efficient heat pump for distributed heating and cooling.