Historic Regulations in Modern Spaces
Challenge
Our clients, a lovely family with a young son in Marblehead, Massachusetts, want to finish their basement. The existing space has rudimentary dirt and rock flooring. Compounding the issue, there is poor insulation and wiring along the ceiling. The basement windows don’t meet code requirements due to the house's location in a historic district, which is subject to different regulations than the average home. The basement's height also presents a challenge with low-hanging wooden beams that will have to be accommodated to create a tall enough space.
Solution
Our approach to transforming the basement was to create four distinct functional sections. To enhance the existing finishing mudroom, we added a small closet. We also added a storage area, a fully-equipped gym, and a specialized room to accommodate existing utilities.
For the walls, we used our paintable EverLast wall system, which is durable while also having a customizable aesthetic. The flooring was our light pecan ThermalDry Elite plank flooring. To maintain optimal air quality and prevent moisture-related issues, we integrated a SaniDry system.
Mindful of historical district regulations, we installed the necessary windows, a painted drywall ceiling, and left the wooden beams exposed, adding rustic charm while adhering to safety standards. The end result was a warm and dry environment—an ideal space for the homeowners and their young son to enjoy comfortably.
Project Summary
Project Manager: Micheal Thomas
