Standout Addition & Renovation

Wellesley, MA 2,825 sq. ft.

• Landmark Wellesley Estate: Redefining the classic Wellesley residence through a massive, high-utility expansion, this project is a standout "Addition & Renovation." It adds 2,825 GSF of new living space, including a dual-car garage, a grand primary bedroom suite, and a soaring Great Room with cathedral ceilings. By harmonizing an expansive modern footprint with the home’s original character, the design creates a seamless transition between traditional New England charm and contemporary luxury living.

  The Art of Large-Scale Residential Integration 

  The architectural challenge for this project was to nearly double the existing square footage while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the Single Residence (SR10) district. GDS led the comprehensive design and structural documentation, navigating strict lot coverage regulations to deliver a high-performance sanctuary designed for modern family flexibility.

  The design intervention focused on a "Grand-Scale Expansion" strategy:

  • The Great Room Core: We engineered a massive first-floor Great Room featuring a cathedral ceiling that acts as the home's new social anchor. This space transitions fluidly to a new rear deck, effectively blending the indoor living area with the private landscape.

  • Elevated Primary Suite: Above the new 2-car garage, we designed a sprawling primary bedroom suite. This private wing offers total autonomy from the main house, featuring luxury bath amenities and precision-planned walk-in storage.

  • Subterranean Utility: The expansion includes a 599 SF proposed basement addition, integrated with the existing 1,045 SF finished basement. This creates a high-utility lower level perfect for recreation, fitness, or multi-generational use.

  • Technical Performance & Compliance: The permit sets detail a high-performance building envelope adhering to the 10th Edition 780 CMR. Every square inch – from the complex roof framing plan to the updated foundation sections – was reviewed to ensure the new construction meets the highest standards for energy efficiency and structural longevity.

  The result is a landmark Wellesley estate that balances grand architectural ambition with the nuanced, high-end needs of a growing family.

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