Hoyt Street House

This freestanding building was converted to a 1-family residence while meeting the latest energy code requirements using interior and exterior insulation and air-exchange heat pumps for interior climate control. Tax photos revealed the building’s history as a mixed-use structure, initially built as a horse stable. Notched foundation walls indicated that the original floor was at street level. Removal of layers of ceilings revealed lacquered pine beams with chamfered edges supporting a subfloor of beaded boards. The beams and wood planks were refinished for a dramatic ceiling on the living floor. The rebuilt 1st floor façade includes a new brick and bluestone pier that once supported the carriage doors, and large windows that evoke the early-1900s storefront. The building covers 90% of the lot so the roof was reframed, and side walls were extended to create an outdoor space for this active family.