Urban Fusion

The challenge before the Feinmann design and build team was to combine two units in a famous Back Bay building into one tasteful, spacious and well-functioning condominium. After the renovation, one unit would contain the master bedroom, master bathroom, and guest room/study; the other would house the kitchen, living/dining room, and guest bathroom.

The kitchen and bath areas of one unit were transformed into the new master bathroom. An elegant curved wall (whose origins derived from the necessity of keeping an existing plumbing wall intact which split the two original spaces) allows passage from the front vanities to the rear walk-in shower and tub. The rest of the original first unit feature angled walls between the master bedroom and guest room/study that allow both to enjoy wide spaces relieving the existing narrow layout. The new layout also allows space for a dressing area near the master bath with built-in cabinetry from Showplace.

In the former second unit, the open floor plan dining/living room are “lightly” divided from the kitchen by suspended glass upper cabinets, beneath which are base cabinets that serve as a sideboard for the dining area as well as storage for the kitchen. Built-in cherry cabinetry by Showplace incorporates the wall ovens, refrigerator, and pantry. The cabinets extend into the living/dining area, becoming a buffet with a mirrored backsplash and wine storage.

The ceiling is dropped throughout the condominium to allow for recessed lighting and architectural interest. The focal point of the kitchen is the cherry island beneath a recessed lighted well, with a hanging pot rack. The kitchen backsplash is Canyon Tan iridescent glass tile from the Water & Sky Glass Collection in a staggering mosaic pattern. The perimeter cabinetry is natural maple with Illusion quartzite countertops. The guest bath includes a tiled shower stall and a wall-mounted sink by LaCava.

A small café table in the living room bay window provides a place for morning coffee with a spectacular view of Boston’s urban landscape. The space is very “loft” like, creating the spaciousness sought by our clients who left a country home for the city. The end result is a sophisticated urban fusion.

Photography by Eric Roth

2015 EM NARI Silver CotY Award for Residential Bath

When the time came to convert our two adjacent Back Bay studios into a two-bedroom apartment and to make that our new home, we turned to Feinmann, Inc. for inspiration and implementation. Feinmann listened carefully to our needs. Their architect, Barney Maier, came up with an innovative and attractive plan for the available space. Their design staff, first Kate Yurgelun and then Tammy Russo, worked with us throughout to make sure the end result had the look and feel we wanted.

The construction job, led by the Project Manager (now Production Manager) Dave Wittig,  seemed daunting at first and was impacted by regulatory issues that were affecting the whole building. But the construction team eventually completed a fine job, deftly solving problems as they arose. The apartment has been our home now for several months and we’re getting used to receiving “likes” from our visitors and houseguests, admiring its modern layout and comfortable feel.”