557/559
RCG LLC
South Boston, Massachusetts
557-559 East Second Street is a development of eight new single-family row houses located at the edge of the industrial and residential parts of South Boston. A central court serves both pedestrian and automobile access to the units. Above the ground floor entry and garage, the section diagram of a traditional row house has been inverted. Rather than placing the living areas on a ‘bel etage’, they are located on the top floor, taking advantage of views to the seaport and downtown.
Given site constraints and market considerations, two distinct unit types were developed. In the four units at 557, the third floor living space is completely open, includes a galley kitchen, and extends to a west-facing porch. In contrast, the four units at 559, one story taller, allow for the separation of the kitchen from the living space, and use the additional fourth floor as a study, opening on to a roof terrace. The development also includes the adaptive re-use of an existing light industrial building into commercial condominiums.
Mechanical systems, detailing, and building materials have been designed to attain Energy Star Homes certification.
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