This Victorian home served a family of four well while the two children were small. But they shared a tiny bath last modernized decades ago. This was tolerable until the children – a boy and girl – entered their teens, and then it wasn’t. Also, their teenage energy and new interests needed outlets at home. Family discussions ensued. The kids would get a fully renovated family bath plus a multi-purpose room in the basement, and the parents would convert the son’s bedroom to a new master bath. The son would take over a third-floor bedroom. The new family bath takes its cues from the historical part of the house. The custom vanity cabinet is inspired by the intricate details of original built-in cabinetry in the house, while the details themselves reflect family interests. Calcutta marble is used for the niches, pulled forward of the dolomite to give the shower a little intrigue. The new basement is designed for flexibility and durability - an open space, a welcoming venue for a variety of exercises and practice. All interior walls were removed. A forest of brick columns was cleared via a web of steel above. Exterior walls are covered in maple, ready to absorb errant sidekicks without a bruise. The floor is epoxy over concrete, invulnerable to spilled beverages and skateboard wheels. Antique hand tools are secured to the chimney to become a climbing wall, and a fire-escape ladder bolted to the ceiling is now monkey bars.
