Perspectives
What Makes It Work The heart of this home in Lexington, Massachusetts, is a beautifully textured stair tower that artfully references aspects of the natural world in a contemporary setting.
3. The quietly irregular array of slender oiled-steel rods (doing duty as balusters) was inspired by tall grasses waving in the breeze.
5. Double steel stanchions supporting the handrails are also subtly tapered to add an extra bit of interest to the design.
Project team
Architecture: Michael Collins, D. Michael Collins Architects, South Natick and Cataumet, Mass., (508) 651-7099, dmcarch.com Interior design: Lucie Beauchemin, Beauchemin Grassi Interiors, Boston, (617) 292-0600, beauchemingrassi.com Builder: Brookes + Hill Custom Builders, Lexington, Mass., (781) 861-0086, brookesandhill.com Metalwork: Tresfort Metal Works, Somerville, Mass., (617) 627-9973, tresfortmetal.com Millwork: Tradern Fine Woodworking, Newton, Mass., (617) 393-3733, tradern.com
2. A steel-and-milkglass Isabella Lantern from McLain Wiesand, suspended from the top of the tower, provides the perfect crowning touch.
4. Horizontal ash cladding—treated with a bit of stain and tung oil to bring out the grain, and installed with a noticeable reveal between the boards—sheathes the stairwell walls, contrasting with the smoother white walls elsewhere in the residence.
Large photo: Michael J. Lee Small inset photo: Courtesy of Brookes + Hill Custom Builders
1. A single, dramatically tall window pours light through the center of the three-story structure, and makes a distinctive statement on the home’s front facade as well.
162 New England Home November–December 2016
ND16 Perspectives part 2.indd 162
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