Transformation Tales by Torrey Architecture
In Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron of 1353, dramatic stories are told amongst friends sheltering from the Plague in a villa outside of Florence. In 2020, we’ve written our own inspiring tales of transformative architecture while quarantined from today’s Pandemic in our home offices outside of Boston.
Read on. Stay safe. Help others.
Wear a mask.
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Thanks to a generous gift from a beloved congregant, the First Church in Winchester, UCC was inspired to re-envision new uses for its 1927 Gothic Revival Ripley Chapel. Adaptive re-use of this underutilized and highly formal chapel was prioritized to foster community through new programming initiatives in worship, education, visual arts, music, performance, healing meditation, yoga and prayer. Our architectural transformation removed the fixed pews, pulpit, hard tile floor and altarpiece, replacing them with durable hardwood flooring, flexible seating, adjustable lighting, display walls, acoustical treatments and full multi-media infrastructure.
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Daylight and views of nature now fill the entire space through the new picture window penetrating the formerly dark chancel wall. A custom oak entrance fits within the existing gothic archway, providing glimpses into the room’s varied activities, now accessible to all.
Photo credits: Peter Lewitt, Ellen Hamilton, David Torrey
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Clean Lines for Urban Living |
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Torrey Architecture enhanced the best features of this Modernist two-level city garden apartment by opening up narrow interior spaces to take advantage of natural light from perimeter windows. A narrow existing galley kitchen was expanded into the dining room with a conversational peninsula bar and sleek new cabinets, lighting and appliances, providing an efficient cooking experience with generous prep surfaces and storage space. |
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The original interior staircase had been modified over the years; Torrey Architecture distilled its essence and dramatically opened it up to the upper level hallway. The bedrooms, baths and laundry were also fully upgraded, unifying the entire apartment in an expression of minimalist elegance.
Photo credits: David Moynahan, David Torrey
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Following a partial collapse of the side arcade of this 1934 Gothic Revival church, our team determined that the adjoining tower was in danger of structural failure due to separation of the facing stone from its back-up masonry. Our structural/architectural repair program stabilized the tower and greatly reduced restoration costs by integrating a concrete ring beam into a lowered parapet and using salvaged and re-cast decorative trim, following local Historical Commission approvals. Today, a new gently-sloped path leads to a new restoration entry door, providing Universal Access to the St. John’s community for the first time in its 85-year history.
Photo credits: Ellen Hamilton, David Torrey
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Presenting a Welcoming Face |
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For one of Brookline Bank’s busiest branches, Torrey Architecture recently completed this major renovation. From the glass canopy sheltering the entrance doors to the dynamic lobby ceiling, visitors are now given first class treatment and a friendly greeting. |
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The banking floor has been completely transformed with a raised ceiling enlivened with suspended LED light fixtures. Integrating new site planning and landscaping with new banking technology and life safety improvements, the Salem Street Branch has now been upgraded for the benefit of employees and the public.
Photo credits: Peter Lewitt, David Torrey
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French Doors to a Private Garden |
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The owners of this urban two-family residence had long wished for a more direct connection to their private back garden. Torrey Architecture’s design combined existing brick window openings to accommodate French doors, so that views of the garden are now visible from floor to ceiling. A brick and flagstone landing with iron railings and a projecting copper hood integrate with the home’s Colonial Revival style. Well-loved indoor and outdoor living spaces are now connected for safe and comfortable access, bringing natural vistas indoors and expanding the home’s living spaces into nature.
Photo credits: David Torrey, David Jay
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Inspirational Restoration |
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As the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton celebrated its 300th anniversary and the 200th year of its meetinghouse, restoration of the bell tower, steeple and weathervane was well on its way. Using archival photos, Torrey Architecture had designed a replica of the original 1825 curved steeple in glass fiber reinforced polyester. Structural repairs within the tower’s timber frame, a new copper belfry roof and a rebuilt weathervane were also accomplished. The steeplejack’s dramatic installation of the spire and weathervane was witnessed by the sponsors of this multi-phased project: the Parish membership and the Town of Canton, whose Community Preservation Act funding was instrumental in saving this iconic landmark of small town New England architecture.
Photo credits: David Moynahan
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When the grandchildren visit they now have a “treehouse” to play in, a sunny new family space just off the kitchen, with spectacular views to sea and land in all directions. Torrey Architecture designed this pop-up second story over the existing garage, returning a decade after the original renovations to add living space without enlarging the building’s footprint on the coastal site. |
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This finishing touch stays true to the Craftsman style interpretation of the main house renovations and to the goal of providing casual comfort and utility, in tune with nature on this unique shoreline property.
Photo credits: Ralph Cataldo, David Torrey
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See More BEFORE and AFTERs on our new Website
Torrey Architecture's deep portfolio of projects can be seen on our website…Torrey Architecture …where you can browse our selection of Transformations found under the heading… BEFORE AND AFTER… and with a focus on our residential projects go to Houzz where our clients have kindly offered their Testimonials.
Write your own story.
Give us a call.
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Torrey Architecture, Inc.
Torrey Architecture provides our clients with complete architectural services, from concept sketches through building occupancy. We assist property owners, commercial tenants and stewards of community facilities in the realization of architectural projects for buildings and sites. We assemble and lead a team of professionals to address the specific technical requirements of the project and guide our clients through the entire design process, from goal clarification through schematic designs, engineering, cost control, construction documents, contractor selection, permitting, construction and building maintenance.
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