Family Clubhouse
Family Clubhouse
Greater Boston, MA
This project transformed a 1960s home into a multi-purpose accessory structure for a family in the suburbs of Boston. When the house adjacent to theirs went on the market, the homeowners reached out to the project team to discuss the possibility of creating a state-of-the-art family clubhouse on the property. The program they envisioned included a squash/basketball court, golf simulator, chipping and putting green, gym, TV/lounge space, kitchen, and guest suite. Despite many challenges, including the structural complexity of working with an existing foundation, the property’s proximity to an environmentally sensitive area, and the high-tech components, the team was able to turn their vision into reality.
The existing house was strategically manipulated to achieve the unique program of a family athletic facility. The existing garage roof was structurally reinformed to achieve a high, clerestory ceiling to become the golf simulator training room. The original step-down living room was completely rebuilt with steel to accommodate the much greater volume needed for the golf chipping/putting training space. A new high ceiling family lounge was added to the west side of the existing structure and a new 2 ½ story squash/basketball court was tucked into the southern corner of the original house. We extended the height of the original dining room to become the new gym, and the guest bedroom suite was carved out of the original bedrooms.
The program for the new facility revolves around a core of golf training spaces and the hardware/software to serve the growing skill of one very talented member of the family. The state-of-the-art indoor golf simulator facility uses Trackman software, and the PuttView system was used to track, map and record training in the chipping/putting area. The gym was outfitted with a medicine ball impact wall, treadmill, elliptical, free weights, a STX system, and a WallMonster rack. The squash court was designed for both singles and doubles matches as well as a basketball net that can be automatically raised and lowered for play. Finally, the guest suite was designed for accessibility and aging in place for family members when visiting.
The overall design goals sought a clean, contemporary design using glass, naturally finished white oak with black accents, and simple white walls and trim that allowed the vibrant green of the golf playing surfaces to pop against this simple, neutral palette. The generous amounts of glass and penetrating natural light makes for a calm, yet bright environment for both training and relaxing. On the exterior, a combination of a local stone foundation veneer, natural cedar-stained siding, painted Xtira panels, and zinc-coated roofing all come together to create a contemporary interpretation of a New England vernacular that balances well with the interior.
Team
Architect: LDa Architecture & Interiors
Interior Designer: Kate Coughlin Interiors
Builder: Sanford Custom Builders
Landscape Architect: LeBlanc Jones Landscape Architects
Photographer: Dan Cutrona (exterior), Michael J. Lee (interior)
Publications
Boston Design Guide: Modern Marvel
Awards
2024 BRAGB PRISM Award: Gold - Best Living Area: Private Residence, Specialty Room (Activity)
