• About
  • Portfolio
  • Autism and Design Blog
  • Process
  • Contact
  • About
  • Portfolio
  • Autism and Design Blog
  • Process
  • Contact

Get in touch.

  • Facebook.

Tags.

autism disabilities environmentally sustainable design furnishings green homes humor schools socially sustainable design sustainability sustainable homes

Recent Posts.

  • CROSS-POLLINATION Part One: Blurring the lines June 8, 2015
  • We practice Environmentally Sustainable Design, but what about Socially Sustainable Design? December 18, 2013
  • Self-Portraits and Autism: November Sculpture & Painting Workshop with SAGE Crossing Foundation November 27, 2013
  • The Greening of Autism: How Do We Sustainably Furnish and Live in our Homes and Classrooms? May 17, 2013
  • The Greening of Autism: Why do we care? I mean, aside from preserving the planet…. May 11, 2013
logo

Private Residence; Cambridge, MA

The project and challenges:

The structure is a contemporary, stick-built townhouse built in the seventies like many others that dot Cambridge neighborhoods.  Purchased ten years ago for its prime location, terrific space and urban yard, the building’s design is, at best, “of its era.”

The project included revitalizing the living spaces and updating the aging kitchen and bathrooms to improve functionality and aesthetics, reflecting the couple’s current take on life.

A major challenge was to edit and integrate the furnishings and objects inherited and collected over decades in two households, now merged. Many of these had great personal significance, like the fish collage created by the wife’s daughter, or the cowboy painting inherited from her late husband’s grandfather (the origin of which has long been lost). Long ago family trips netted the table from Mexico and the rug from Turkey as well as artifacts from India.

The solutions:

Reupholstery was key.   A grandmother’s Empire sofa that once belonged to Thomas Edison’s family finally got the attention it deserved, as did her pair of fireplace chairs.  The slipper chairs from Brimfield achieved new identities with fabrics and hides.  Layering of patterns, finishes and textures creates a rich yet relaxed environment.

Re-arranging table top vignettes keeps the spaces fresh and allows a range of objects to be displayed.

Comfort and ease of use are central to the design.  Two seating areas in the living space allow both small and large groups to gather on furniture pieces that are remarkably comfortable.

The results:

The refreshed spaces are relaxed, flexible and fun. Furniture and artwork that have a history personalize the space for all members of the household. And there’s an “attic” of objects from which to choose to energize the look going forward.

Photography by Greg Premru

1
img-922
img-921
img-923
img-924
MAB Community Services Ivy Street School
Thoughts on Classroom Design for Those on the Spectrum

© Copyright 2015-2017. All Rights Reserved.