http://www.heliosdesigngroup.com Helios Design Group Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:59:35 +0000 http://www.heliosdesigngroup.com en http://heliosdesigngroup.com/Lamartine http://heliosdesigngroup.com/following/heliosdesigngroup.com/Lamartine Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:59:35 +0000 Helios Design Group 1631084 <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1631084/920x500_Lamartine-5_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1631084/920x500_Lamartine-5_o.jpg" data-mid="8022469" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1631084/920x500_Lamartine-1_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1631084/920x500_Lamartine-1_o.jpg" data-mid="8022452" border="0" align="left"/> Our client wanted to build a two-unit condominium on a large but narrow lot, behind an existing triple-decker. We worked with the neighbors, the Jamaica Plain Planning Board, and the Zoning Board of Appeals to gain the needed approvals. We thought, 'In Boston, a building behind a building is usually a carriage house', and that became the inspiration for this one.“Helios Design Group represents the next wave of creative architects. Versed on the City of Boston zoning laws and committed to a minimal impact on natural resources, Helios helps build stronger communities.” Janis Lippman http://heliosdesigngroup.com/Lovell-Lake http://heliosdesigngroup.com/following/heliosdesigngroup.com/Lovell-Lake Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:56:40 +0000 Helios Design Group 1491592 <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491592/920x500_lovell-lake-1_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491592/920x500_lovell-lake-1_o.jpg" data-mid="7682712" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491592/920x500_lovell-lake-5_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491592/920x500_lovell-lake-5_o.jpg" data-mid="8362887" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491592/920x500_lovell-lake-2_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491592/920x500_lovell-lake-2_o.jpg" data-mid="7682714" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491592/920x500_lovell-lake-4_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491592/920x500_lovell-lake-4_o.jpg" data-mid="7990977" border="0" align="left"/> Wanting to rehabilitate a run-down lakeside cottage, these clients asked for a combination of woodsy and contemporary, and wanted to relieve the low and cramped feel of the original. We focused the main room toward a massive stone fireplace flanked by clerestory windows, creating a corner nook for taking in the view. Interiors are finished in domestic fir.“They transformed my lake cabin that was built on a rock and stump into a stunning, little year-round house with a great layout and beautiful interior details. ” Jillian Darling http://heliosdesigngroup.com/Spring-Park http://heliosdesigngroup.com/following/heliosdesigngroup.com/Spring-Park Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:45:29 +0000 Helios Design Group 1491618 <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491618/920x500_estes-4_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491618/920x500_estes-4_o.jpg" data-mid="7995232" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491618/920x500_estes-2_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491618/920x500_estes-2_o.jpg" data-mid="7995222" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491618/920x500_estes-5_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491618/920x500_estes-5_o.jpg" data-mid="7995227" border="0" align="left"/>Opening up the spaces made all the difference to this house. The kitchen was going into a dark room, and the owners wanted as much light as possible – and as much storage as possible. We put clerestory widows above the wall of cabinets, blocking an unsightly view, while letting the sun stream in. Clever use of the space under the stair and in the old pantry allowed for a tiny half bath and mudroom. After much head scratching about form, the new screen porch ended up becoming its own little temple to summer living. “I love it! My house functions so well now. We've had more than 20 guests in the living area without feeling crowded, and without needing a huge, cavernous space. Helios really listened to our needs, and collaborated well with us and with our contractor.” Beverly Estes-Smargiassi http://heliosdesigngroup.com/Kennebunkport-Addition http://heliosdesigngroup.com/following/heliosdesigngroup.com/Kennebunkport-Addition Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:59:31 +0000 Helios Design Group 1558824 <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1558824/920x500_kennebunkport-2_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1558824/920x500_kennebunkport-2_o.jpg" data-mid="7796484" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1558824/920x500_kennebunkport-5_930_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1558824/920x500_kennebunkport-5_930_o.jpg" data-mid="8017267" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1558824/920x500_kennebunkport-4_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1558824/920x500_kennebunkport-4_o.jpg" data-mid="7797520" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1558824/920x500_kennebunkport-1_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1558824/920x500_kennebunkport-1_o.jpg" data-mid="7796480" border="0" align="left"/> When our clients asked us to add a great room to the back of this 1970's colonial, they expected a simple and staid room in keeping with the rest of the house. We knew they had traveled throughout the middle-east, so designed a skylight-topped, domed ceiling in the addition that reminded them of Morocco. We left a lower-ceilinged band around the room's edge to provide a cozy spot and transition to the soffit outdoors. The outside of the building is more well-behaved, with a pared down interpretation of New England vernacular forms. http://heliosdesigngroup.com/Greek-Revival-Renovation http://heliosdesigngroup.com/following/heliosdesigngroup.com/Greek-Revival-Renovation Tue, 24 May 2011 16:35:20 +0000 Helios Design Group 1491623 <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491623/920x500_danest-1_o_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491623/920x500_danest-1_o_o.jpg" data-mid="8018680" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491623/920x500_danest-2_o_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491623/920x500_danest-2_o_o.jpg" data-mid="8018681" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491623/920x500_danest-3_o_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491623/920x500_danest-3_o_o.jpg" data-mid="8018682" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491623/920x500_danest-4_o_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491623/920x500_danest-4_o_o.jpg" data-mid="8018683" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491623/920x500_danest-5_o_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491623/920x500_danest-5_o_o.jpg" data-mid="8018685" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491623/920x500_danest-6_o_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491623/920x500_danest-6_o_o.jpg" data-mid="8018688" border="0" align="left"/> This beautiful Greek revival house had 'good bones', but was sorely in need of some loving attention, as well as some sorting out of awkward earlier additions. Our clients wanted to keep the feel of the house, remaking the kitchen, family room, master suite and bedrooms, make space for a live-in au pair, and house the cars which weren't part of the calculation in the original 19th century building. The original roof and lantern was damaged in a fire; we took the opportunity in rebuilding to relocate the lantern directly over the spiral stair, extended the stair up another story, and built out bedrooms and a bath on the attic level. On warm days the lantern and new roof deck serve as an office, with a hell of a view.“Our house feels just as we’d hoped it would feel. The Helios team’s expertise, patience and guidance was a great fit for us. They were thoughtful and creative, yet practical and easy to work with.” Jennifer Fulton http://heliosdesigngroup.com/Tres-Gatos http://heliosdesigngroup.com/following/heliosdesigngroup.com/Tres-Gatos Tue, 24 May 2011 16:35:01 +0000 Helios Design Group 1491626 <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491626/920x500_tres-gatos-2_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491626/920x500_tres-gatos-2_o.jpg" data-mid="7595929" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491626/920x500_tres-gatos-3_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491626/920x500_tres-gatos-3_o.jpg" data-mid="7595931" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491626/920x500_tres-gatos-4_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491626/920x500_tres-gatos-4_o.jpg" data-mid="7595933" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491626/920x500_tres-gatos-1_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491626/920x500_tres-gatos-1_o.jpg" data-mid="7595926" border="0" align="left"/> David Doyle, owner of a small bookstore in Jamaica Plain, came to us with a novel idea: a combination tapas bar, bookstore, and music store. We put the bar itself in the heart of the restaurant, small tables and standing bars around the edge. The side room has a large communal table — perfect for the community-oriented clientele, and is open to the kitchen. Make your way through the happily eating throng to the back of the building, and you find books, music, and some spots to lean an elbow and peruse while waiting for a table. Working with our talented colleagues at Hamilton Hughes Design, we had a blast with the interiors; books throughout the space, a mural made from Spanish land grant maps, doors on the ceiling and bar, and indigo tables.“I've worked with Helios on both residential and commercial projects, and highly recommend them for both. They bring great creativity and vision to each project, while working within tight budgetary constraints. They are enthusiastic, flexible, and fair, and work well with contractors, subs, and other design professionals, which is critical to the success of any project. With Tres Gatos, they transformed a worn-out bookstore and apartment into a beautiful restaurant space. I would welcome the chance to work with them again.” David Doyle http://heliosdesigngroup.com/Upper-Main-Street-Edgartown http://heliosdesigngroup.com/following/heliosdesigngroup.com/Upper-Main-Street-Edgartown Tue, 24 May 2011 16:34:59 +0000 Helios Design Group 1491612 <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491612/920x500_edgartown-1_930_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491612/920x500_edgartown-1_930_o.jpg" data-mid="7820434" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491612/920x500_edgartown-2_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491612/920x500_edgartown-2_o.jpg" data-mid="7683667" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491612/920x500_edgartown-4_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491612/920x500_edgartown-4_o.jpg" data-mid="7970330" border="0" align="left"/> Our client wanted to build a set of homes with the feel of Martha's Vineyard vernacular, including some affordable housing. We combined units to create three buildings, each unique, gathered around a small landscaped courtyard. The West buildings bridge connects two unit,s and frames the view beyond. The East building houses three units, and the final unit sits like a cottage by the road. http://heliosdesigngroup.com/High-Street-Edgartown http://heliosdesigngroup.com/following/heliosdesigngroup.com/High-Street-Edgartown Tue, 24 May 2011 16:30:32 +0000 Helios Design Group 1491602 <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491602/920x500_high-street-4_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491602/920x500_high-street-4_o.jpg" data-mid="7821617" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491602/920x500_high-street-3_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491602/920x500_high-street-3_o.jpg" data-mid="7800472" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491602/920x500_high-street-5_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491602/920x500_high-street-5_o.jpg" data-mid="7821620" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491602/920x500_high-street-6_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491602/920x500_high-street-6_o.jpg" data-mid="7991753" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491602/920x500_high-street-2_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1491602/920x500_high-street-2_o.jpg" data-mid="7799281" border="0" align="left"/> The developer of these homes in downtown Edgartown looked for both market rate and affordable bulidngs to blend well with the classically inspired existing houses in the area. We designed them with the painted clapboard and heavy detailing of Cape Greek Revival and Colonial. We kept the buildings low by tucking some bedrooms under the eaves, and stayed with traditional detailing throughout the interiors.“Working with a small lot, Helios was really able to really maximize the living areas. They paid special attention to light, height and width, and were able to create intimate settings in each area.” David Morton http://heliosdesigngroup.com/Lincoln-Addition http://heliosdesigngroup.com/following/heliosdesigngroup.com/Lincoln-Addition Wed, 18 May 2011 16:29:18 +0000 Helios Design Group 1464218 <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464218/920x500_darling-8_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464218/920x500_darling-8_o.jpg" data-mid="7970272" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464218/920x500_darling-9_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464218/920x500_darling-9_o.jpg" data-mid="7970281" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464218/920x500_darling-4_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464218/920x500_darling-4_o.jpg" data-mid="7798734" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464218/920x500_darling-2_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464218/920x500_darling-2_o.jpg" data-mid="7991812" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464218/920x500_darling-7_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464218/920x500_darling-7_o.jpg" data-mid="7800382" border="0" align="left"/> The owners of this 18th century house, with 19th and 20th century additions, asked for a new kitchen and family room, and new master bedroom suite above. Their real desire in that lovely spot was to make the house work for the way they live - connected to the outdoors both visually and practically. We balanced the requirements of the local Historical Commission with their modernist sensibilities - including rosewood and mosaic for the bath, and floor-to-ceiling windows capturing a view of conservation land behind the house.“They first showed us creative designs for what we thought we wanted. They then gave us a design we couldn't have dreamed of and it changed our lives!” Ri Regina http://heliosdesigngroup.com/Gordon-Street-Kitchen http://heliosdesigngroup.com/following/heliosdesigngroup.com/Gordon-Street-Kitchen Wed, 18 May 2011 16:28:35 +0000 Helios Design Group 1464215 <img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464215/920x500_kitchen-1_930_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464215/920x500_kitchen-1_930_o.jpg" data-mid="7821788" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464215/920x500_kitchen-2_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464215/920x500_kitchen-2_o.jpg" data-mid="7678618" border="0" align="left"/><img src="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464215/920x500_kitchen-3_930.jpg" width="920" height="500" width_o="920" height_o="500" src_o="http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/3/111400/1464215/920x500_kitchen-3_o.jpg" data-mid="7991183" border="0" align="left"/> These clients really cook, and needed an efficient kitchen with high-powered machines to do the work, and a hospitable gathering space for friends and family.What emerged was four particular walls, each with its own character; the hardworking range/sink/refrigerator wall, where most of the business of cooking goes on, the bookcase/doorway wall, the fireplace wall, flanked by a rehabilitated china cabinet and doorway to the dining room, and the bay wall, with its yellow surfaces glowing like a split melon. This client's sophisticated eye for color helped pull the project beyond the ordinary. They're most surprised at how much the flow was improved by adding a door from kitchen to hallway.“Helios is professional, thoughtful, resourceful and creative in their approach. They managed to incorporate all of our requests, and the result is a kitchen that functions as beautifully as it looks.” Ann Boyajian