Residence R

New Construction

Newton, MA – Completed 1995

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Residence R is situated on a street in Newton, MA, a neighborhood in Boston where most of the homes are classic Tudors. When the clients asked Elena to design a new residence for them, Elena was faced with the challenge of creating contextual architecture without falsifying the age of the new structure.

Elena accomplished the task by basing the design of the structure on 45-degree angles in both the plan and the facades. The steep roofs echo those of the surrounding Tudors; while the detailing is modern and unique to this house. The exterior stucco and wood trim materials also help to relate the house to the neighborhood.

Residence R is one of the first homes designed by Elena Kalman; she is currently working on a new vacation home for the same client in New Hampshire.

Residence R-2

The front façade, approached by a long, winding road nestled in the surrounding woods, reveals a playful take on a traditional country cottage. The hand-modeled ceramic plaque (made by the house owner) located over the entryway contains a depiction of four fish and represent the clients four granddaughters.

Residence M

Residence M is situated on peninsula extending into Long Island Sound and all of its rooms face the magnificent ocean views on three sides of the property.

Residence B

Residence B is fully integrated into its natural landscape. Sloping roofs create a variety of angles and incorporate dormers that reduce the height of the building. The use of wood shingles and natural stone further connects the house to nature.

Residence K

Elena Kalman turned the interior courtyard/garden into a family room and incorporated its stone garden walls and randomly shaped stone pavers into its foyer design. She also carefully redesigned the existing portions of the house to preserve the best features of the original architecture, including: its large glass sliding panels, its roof overhangs facing south and its abundant, built-in shelving.

Residence L

The house plan of Residence-L was influenced by the character of the property, which opens in a fan-like fashion towards the rear yard. The land descends from front to rear, revealing a wide lawn with tall trees along the perimeter.