Project overview

The central communicating stair breathes new life into a restored boarding house through historically accurate detailing.

Design criteria

Concept

Commissioned to rethink the locations, connections, and structure of the empty cavity where a three-story stair once stood, we envisioned a solution that respected the past and served the future. This boarding house was originally built in 1912, and a local couple is working to revamp and reopen it to support a local need for temporary lodging. All details of the stair match the historic period, and the couple’s mill will create molding for the job.

Site

On a typical parcel in the town of Roslyn, this building is a block from the downtown commercial area.

Materials

Beadboard paneling matches the historical boarding house finishes, lending a tactile experience of the stairway. At each landing, a peek-through allows views back to the entrance and floors below.

Credits