A SEED PROJECT - PROTOTYPE
The project illustrated above offers a green, prefab, affordable alternative for the “creative class.”
New Housing for the CREATIVE CLASS
New Worker Housing for the CREATIVE CLASS
A reinvention of traditional worker housing for the new “CREATIVE CLASS” of worker in Cambridge, MA. Located on Bellis Circle, these 4 units of housing recall the spirit of turn of the century immigrant worker cottages located in the area and add a fresh, modern twist. If a community is to survive and thrive it must draw in a creative and educated class of worker. An architect has moved. A couple, skilled in computer programming, were attracted from the Portland, Oregon area. (Image Below)
New Architecture
AFFORDABLE PROTOTYPES
The projects illustrate a green, prefab, affordable alternative for the “creative class.” They offer multiple material options from natural, sustainable woods, to long lasting composites like like fiber-cement plank siding. Solar potovoltaic panels and roof terraces planted with sod are other option. All foundation walls, exterior walls, floor and roof assemblies can be prefabricated.
INNOVATION: Designed as worker housing for the new CREATIVE CLASS.
Richard Florida's "The Rise of the Creative Class" suggests that the Creative Class is a distinct segment that drives innovation, creates urban success, and is critical to American competitiveness....... These units on Bellis Circle respond to a need for a new fresh approach to design for our times.
Cambridge, now a thriving home for higher education, start- up research companies, and a number of high tech supported businesses has fostered and defined a new worker – part of an educated professional class trained in technology & service skills. One of the units was sold to an architect and the other to a couple who design computer software.
This new generation of energetic, fresh contemporary housing engages the neighborhood context. This modern expression. reinterprets the ornate, corniced roof treatment of the flat-roofed triple-decker housing stock for which Boston is famous, in modern, crisp terms with streamlined “wings.” Zinc clad overhangs replace neo-classical pediments at entries. A mixture of pre-fabricated and natural materials lend this remix a contemporary modern flair. The program space is open to light, nature and the community. It asks the question: What does it mean to be alive in our times? If tradition has a future I believe it must be affected by the contemporary spirit of our times.
In the BELLIS CIRCLE PROJECT 4 Units of HOUSING are created – 3 Units are brand new construction and 1 unit is an historical Queen Anne that has been completely renovated. These units are framed around a common court and linked to the street life as well as the newly reclaimed Daheny Parklands in the Bellis Circle neighborhood of Cambridge, MA.
The units were developed on spec as single family homes, although a creative condominium ownership agreement links the parcels. The new units are largely pre-fabricated. Their foundations, walls, floor and roof plates were assembled and shipped to the site. “Hardiplank” fiber cement clads the exterior. This industrial technology was combined with hand-crafting methods as stained wood strip inlays and the zinc metal-worked cornices add detail and a weathering patina. All units have been rated Energy Star efficient. The adjacent park lends sunlight, fresh air and nature. This energetic, contemporary housing design engages and reinterprets the ”New England” style of architectural tradition. It fosters a new dialogue with the Bellis Circle neighborhood and speaks for our contemporary life and times.
THE DESIGN CHALLENGE AND THE DESIGN SOLUTION: To come up with a solution that would respect the traditions of a place, while at the same time offer a fresh interpretation contemporary to our times. Those who first built “new design” – like the early Victorian architects for example - were daring. Over time that energy becomes obscure. Architect Daniel Liebeskind suggested, “Tradition is a veiling of fiery origins.” Bellis Circle has changed over the years from its authentic turn of the century roots, adding newer interpretations of traditional Victorian and various ”New England” style houses to the neighborhood mix. The new “Bellis Circle” design is inspired, in part, by local turn of the century Irish worker housing and Boston’s rich texture of flat-roofed “triple-deckers.” The challenge of market was to make these units as affordable as possible given Cambridge’s steep price for homes. Pre-fabricated building systems were employed to help keep the cost down. A modest functional square footage slims the units. Efficient site design and master planning set out effective use of space. Constraints and opportunities of the local codes helped define efficient scale and layout of the units & site. Flat roofs were selected to complement pitched roofs & elaborate decorations were turned to a modernist trim.
