Prior to applying for a building permit, the Town of Brookline MA required us to apply for a Special Permit and to go through several town hearings. The reason for that was the fact that we slightly encroached into existing setbacks and went above allowed FAR (floor area ratio) by 8%. 

The work on this project was an innovative process that included coming up with a great design, meeting the client's needs regarding the architectural style (contemporary), and functionality, and obtaining project endorsements from surrounding neighbors. As a result, the Planning Board loved the design and unanimously approved it. After this, Yefim Massarsky presented this project to the Board of Appeals and it was approved as well.

The additional challenge for us as architects was requested by the owners rather unusual existing floor layout where the living zone had to be located on the second level and the bedrooms on the first level. We successfully implemented the client's requirements, and extended the second floor of the house by 11' towards the back of the house keeping the open patio underneath. This allowed us to create a Master Bedroom/Office suite on the main (2nd) level. The most exciting feature of this project is the observation roof deck - the house is situated on the top of a hill, with spectacular views of Downtown Boston.