A dilapidated two-family is all that remains of the house that occupied this sloping site for over a century at an urban edge along Boston’s Columbus Avenue. The building’s proposed replacement is a four-family development of three-bedroom units, composed of timber slabs and light gauge steel framing intended for rapid assembly and minimal waste, with warm wood ceilings and broad spans. Floor area is maximized with a 3 + 1 strategy; a ground floor garden apartment is fully accessible with generous daylight and three levels of 3-bedroom apartments above, all served by a single stair core.

Challenges to the project include reclassification of the site, which is currently part of the City’s Yard Sale program. Initiated in 1997, Boston sold lots considered non-buildable to adjacent property owners. Approximately 600 deed-restricted lots were transferred to abutters to be used as open space, driveways, or for additions to existing structures. Demand for housing and rising property values have put pressure on the aggregated properties. The City is open to reclassification, provided access and income guidelines are met.

DESIGN TEAM: West-Work
COMPLETION DATE: 2022, unbuilt
LOCATION: Boston, MA