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Collection by Kelly Dawson

A Midcentury Modern Renovation Opens Interiors and Admits More Sunlight

Thanks to one client and architecture firm, this modern dwelling stands out in Hingham, Massachusetts, where traditional homes abound on historic streets.

A wife and mother, who grew up in a midcentury house in the Pacific Northwest, desired more than a conventional dwelling for her family in Hingham. She envisioned a modern home where her four high school and college-age children would still feel comfortable; as a former professional chef, the kitchen would also inspire her talents. When a rundown midcentury modern property went on the market, her wishes began to take shape. Architect Don DiRocco of Hammer Architects, who partnered with principal Mark Hammer on the project, met those requirements—and included a mudroom and outdoor shower as well. But there is another feature of this home that may not have been a part of the original plan: an ocean view. Hammer Architects took care of that, too. “To take advantage of the view of the ocean from the front of the house, [we] added oversized windows to all rooms, including the master bedroom,” Don DiRocco said.

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More than 60 percent of the original home was rebuilt, DiRocco said, and one of the main goals was to bring light into the home. Windsor Windows and Doors, clad in bronze on the exterior and fir in the interior, helped accomplish that mission.
More than 60 percent of the original home was rebuilt, DiRocco said, and one of the main goals was to bring light into the home. Windsor Windows and Doors, clad in bronze on the exterior and fir in the interior, helped accomplish that mission.
As the name implies, undermount sinks are attached to the underside of a countertop, where special clips ensure the sink stays in place or the sink is supported from underneath by the base cabinet structure.
As the name implies, undermount sinks are attached to the underside of a countertop, where special clips ensure the sink stays in place or the sink is supported from underneath by the base cabinet structure.
Ted Franklin custom cabinets and Artic white Formica countertops can be found in the kitchen. Thermador appliances—including a wine refrigerator—are spaced throughout the room.
Ted Franklin custom cabinets and Artic white Formica countertops can be found in the kitchen. Thermador appliances—including a wine refrigerator—are spaced throughout the room.
Quarter sawn Oak wood floors spread across the home’s shared rooms.
Quarter sawn Oak wood floors spread across the home’s shared rooms.
Fir laminate decking ceilings run perpendicular to exposed beams in the dining and living rooms.
Fir laminate decking ceilings run perpendicular to exposed beams in the dining and living rooms.
The home’s four bedrooms and bathrooms all feature oversized, pinnacle clad windows by Windsor Windows and Doors for optimal views of the surrounding water.
The home’s four bedrooms and bathrooms all feature oversized, pinnacle clad windows by Windsor Windows and Doors for optimal views of the surrounding water.
Illuminating Experiences supplied the exterior wall lights, while the interior’s recessed downlights and monopoints are by Lightolier. At night, a Bluestone patio sits in the glow.
Illuminating Experiences supplied the exterior wall lights, while the interior’s recessed downlights and monopoints are by Lightolier. At night, a Bluestone patio sits in the glow.