Hello, My name is Zachary Younger and I am a fourth year architecture major at Northeastern University. I call Sun Valley, Idaho, my home, but my travel and study abroad experiences have been just as influential to my education and overall development.
In 2018 I studied abroad in Barcelona at The American School of Barcelona. Living in Barcelona I was exposed to the works of architects such as Antoni Gaudí which furthered my interest in design and architecture.
Continuing high school at The Community School in Sun Valley Idaho I was given the opportunity to take classes in 3D modeling and design where I began developing skills in CAD and additional modeling softwares.
In 2020 I was given the opportunity to work on a remodel in a Seattle condo. The goal was to implement a murphy bed to add extra use to a room. After designing the model a team of woodworkers were able to build and install the design
After being accepted to Northeastern University I was given the option to take my first semester of college at a university in Rome. I studied in art and architectural history classes as well as in other required courses.
Beginning in the spring semester of 2022 I started my first classes at Northeasyern’s campus in Boston. I began developing skills in CAD softwares and design as a whole. I continued study In Boston until the summer of 2023.
In the Fall of 2023 I studied at IE University in Segovia through an exchange program offered by Northeastern.
From January to July 2024 I worked as an intern at LaFreniere Architects in Cambridge, MA. I gained a large amount of experience under the supervision of Principal John LaFreniere, AIA. I am currently taking classes in my fourth year at Northeastern University
This modular housing unit, designed for a site on the outskirts of Northeastern’s campus, serves primarily as graduate student housing with additional space for the City of Boston’s affordable housing program. The modular nature of this design also allows for aggregation and implementation on alternate sites.
Maximizing socialization and natural light were the guiding design principles that organized the design of each unit. Individual, double, and quad units, each contain their own private outdoor space, large social areas, and optimization of window space.
Half floors in large units allow for unwalled connections between common spaces, providing unblocked light and a greater sense of connection between tenants. Social space in single and double units is located under half floor units creating tall ceilings that bring light and a welcoming atmosphere.
Urban Walk-up Housing
Studio Urban Institutions ARCH 2140
1st Floor
3rd Floor
2nd Floor
4th Floor
4 Bed Half Floor Unit
2 Bed Unit
1 Bed Studio Unit
Urban Walk-up Housing Studio Urban
Institutions ARCH 2140
The design process for this assignment resulted in multiple iterations of buildings that served the same purpose. One design principle that was common throughout was the use of Raum Plan within units that additionally define the floors and headspaces of surrounding units.
Page 6 shows an iteration of the housing unit that features 9 unique apartments with a variety of bed spaces that circulate around a central stair core and define their shape based on the units that surround.
CMU Cavity Wall + Watchtower
Architectonic Systems ARCH 2240
Architectonic Systems developed skills in technical drawing and understanding structural elements in design.
Pictured on page 7 is a detailed section of a standard CMU Cavity wall with the necessary elements of construction. It demonstrates a variety of joist connections and building techniques.
Page 8 pictures a watchtower which was designed and built in partnership with another student. The design required a two story structure with an overhang and non-flat roof. We chose to design with a center “leaf fold” roof to create a single draining point and a beautiful roof pattern. A scale timber frame structural model was built to develop understandings of wood framing construction.
Section Drawing
This Rest stop designed as an extension of the BPL’s services aimed to accomplish two goals: provide public restrooms to the city of Boston while simultaneously offering an additional recreational purpose intended for public use.
Given Boston’s lack of outdoor exercise equipment I aimed to create a multipurpose gym and rest area in the given site. Located on the border of Boston’s Chinatown, the rest stop would be in an ideal location for public access.
A multitude of bars and cages encircling the bathroom unit allows for a large diversity of use. Frosted Glass covering the interior of the design allows for light to fill the washing area and creates a connection to the exterior program through shadows cast by the frame. The red frame and angular organization of the structure was informed by the surrounding public architecture.
BPL Rest Stop
Studio Site, Space, & Program ARCH 2130
1/8”=1’ BPL Rest Stop Model
Murphy Bed: Personal Pursuit
Seattle Condominium Remodel
As a junior in high school in 2020 I designed a Murphy bed for a Seattle condo.
The goal of the project was to provide a usable bedspace in an existing office that could be easily hidden and used as storage. In attempts to stay consistent to the design of the condo, the structure was designed in wood with similar ornamentation.
Page 11 shows a small 3d printed model that was made after measuring the given space and assessing the requirements of the design. Page 12 captures the final design in place.
Advanced Arch Communication focused on skills of analysis and representation. From physical collage to digital works we developed many representations in different styles primarily analyzing building data.
The drawing and graphs on page 13 analyze the factors that play a role on temperature in different rooms in Ell Hall, a university building on Northeastern’s campus. Selecting sample rooms from each floor of the building I was able to find a variety of factors that affect the temperature of rooms in Ell Hall throughout the year.
The diagram on page 14 depicts the factors that play a role on the comfort level of a person in their dorm room. This exercise challenged me to clearly communicate a large amount of information without the use of any text. Exploding the room in axon allowed me to demonstrate a large amount of clear detail.
Building Analysis Diagrams
Advanced Arch Communication ARCH 3450
Dorm Room Comfort Influence Diagram
Boston Public Library Branch
Studio Site, Space, & Program ARCH 2130
This branch of the Boston Public Library, intended for a site in Boston’s Chinatown, serves as a green space and community engagement facility. With a 25,000 sq. ft. site the footprint of the built structure covers just under half of the site.
As libraries are transitioning into multipurpose community spaces, this branch of the BPL is designed to host a number of versatile activities. The first floor contains a lecture hall for 150 visitors, a cafe, reception, and 24 hour accessible restrooms. The second and third floor take a more open approach with large windows surrounding the shelves, reading areas, and community use rooms.
The two separate towers of the building allow for light to enter the central greenspace provided near the entrance of the library as well as divide spaces for noise reduction. Small bridges located at the front of the second and third floor allow for accessibility between towers and provide a view down the Boston skyline over historic housing.
Side Section
17 Boston Public Library Branch
Studio Site, Space, & Program ARCH 2130
Exploded Axon
Troppecolonne Precedent Study
Design Studio 5: Technique
Design Studio 5: Technique focuses on the principles of recycled and repurposed architecture. Working in groups of 4 we began our studio with studying and replicating a wooden precedent structure that could be disassembled and rebuilt to provide a new purpose.
Troppecolonne bar, built in Milan, Italy as a temporary structure for a music festival, was built with uncut lumber to minimize labor and environmental impact. We created a 1:10 scale model and a section of the structure at 1:2, along with relevant drawings and diagrams to understand the logic of assembly and joinery.
One Gateway Office Renovation
LaFreniere Architects
One of the first projects I worked on at LaFreniere Architects was an office space renovation, for which I created a set of construction drawings. Throughout the project, I accompanied my supervisor, John LaFreniere, on site visits and client meetings to monitor progress and make necessary design adjustments. This experience provided valuable insight into the architectural process, allowing me to observe the evolving nature of design and gain a deeper understanding of project timelines and coordination from concept to completion.
The renovation included several key highlights, such as the installation of over 100 feet of new glass walls, which brought natural light into the interior spaces and created a more open, collaborative atmosphere. We also implemented energy-efficient light monitoring systems to enhance sustainability and lower operational costs. Additionally, the design included multi-purpose meeting rooms to accommodate various client needs, ensuring the space was versatile and functional.
Attatched are three selected pages from the complete set of construction drawings for the space.
Framing in Place and Drywall Installed
1872 Massachusetts Ave. LaFreniere Architects
As part of my internship, I contributed to the redevelopment of the drop-off drive area at 1872 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, MA. The project involved expanding the existing drive and addressing the resurfacing of the ground-level parking area, which had deteriorated due to water leakage.
A key challenge was addressing water pooling in the area, which required the implementation of proper drainage techniques to prevent future deterioration. Additionally, careful consideration was given to materiality, selecting surfaces that could withstand the heavy use of vehicles and frequent impacts on curb corners. The result was a more durable and resilient design, ensuring the longevity and safety of the expanded drive and parking area.
Greenfield House
LaFreniere Architects
The Greenfield House project was a custom residential design for a client on an open hill, taking inspiration from a similar home with large cantilevered roofs. The design centered around structural insulated panels (SIPs), providing energy efficiency and structural strength. Throughout the project, I worked closely with the client, exploring multiple variations in layout and style to ensure the design met their aesthetic preferences and functional needs. The flexibility of SIPs allowed us to adapt the design while maintaining a sleek, modern appearance that would compliment the natural surroundings
One Cabot Entrance LaFreniere
Architects
At LaFreniere Architects I had the opportunity to work on the redesign of the entrance for the One Cabot building, an office space for multiple tenants. My role involved creating a more welcoming entrance that aligned with the client’s vision for attracting new clients.
I joined in discussions with the client to understand their desires and budget, allowing me to design within the project’s financial constraints. Through an iterative design process, we explored several options and ultimately arrived at a solution that balanced aesthetics, functionality, and cost efficiency. This project gave me valuable experience in client collaboration and creative problem-solving.
31 Additional Model Photographs
Fundamental Arch Design: Double House Model
Design Studio 5: Technique
Troppecolonne Bar Model
Site, Space, & Design
Frame Structure Model
Site, Space, & Design Library Massing Model
1975 VW Beetle Electric Conversion
High School Senior Project + Personal Pursuit
For a senior project in high school I chose to pursue the conversion of a 1975 VW Beetle from its original combustion engine to electric drive. In 2 months I restored the interior, removed the engine, and replaced the gas tank with hand welded battery cages containing reclaimed Tesla batteries. The conversion required additional wiring depicted in the schematic below. Page 22 shows the battery cage model, (top left) its location within the vehicle, (bottom left) and a process photo of the beetle (right).
