ESSENTIALS
Firm Name: ART Architects
Principals: David J. Arthur, Lyle W. Bradley, Elizabeth H. Cahill, J.B. Clancy, Eric J. Rochon
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts
Accolades: Forbes Architecture’s “America’s Top 200 Residential Architects,” 2025; Forbes Architecture’s “America’s Best-in-State Residential Architects,” 2025
House Name: Side Court
Location: Suburban Boston
Area & Layout: 4,525 square feet; 5 BR, 5 BA
Architectural Photographer: Michael J. Lee (michaeljleephotography.com)
In a suburban Boston neighborhood filled with Depression-era Tudors and colonials, it’s hard to miss this 19th-century-style Greek revival house, with its narrow gable end facing the street and boxy columns parading across the porch. But there’s more than looks setting this home apart from its neighbors. Built to the highest standards of efficiency and powered by solar panels, this 4,525-square-foot house actually generates more energy than it consumes.
Designed by ART Architects, the home illustrates how sustainable practices have advanced to the point where they can be discreetly incorporated into practically any style of structure. “Combining a high-performance zero-net-energy house with a New England typology was very satisfying,” says managing partner J.B. Clancy, whose Boston firm specializes in designing and updating traditional-style homes.
Dubbed Side Court, for the terrace sandwiched between the wings on the building’s south side, the five-bedroom, five-bath all-electric house features walls insulated with cellulose and wrapped in an exterior layer of rigid insulation to minimize heat loss. An energy recovery ventilator replaces stale indoor air with fresh air, while retaining any heat or cooling it contains. A 17-kilowatt rooftop solar array is oriented to maximize sun exposure, and is paired with an air-source heat pump for efficient heating and cooling.
The trim, tidy house appears to harmonize with the scale of other homes in the neighborhood, but actually extends far back into its lot, providing southern exposure to every interior space. The garage at the rear was designed to look like an old barn and has doors that are oriented toward the side, so they don’t overwhelm the front facade.
The owners were fans of midcentury modern design, so the architects used understated trim and flush walnut paneling throughout the interior, giving the free-flowing spaces a distinctive Mad Men vibe that complements (but doesn’t compete with) the more classical exterior. It’s a distinctive mix of old and new—much like the technology that keeps this period reproduction humming.
ABOVE: In true Greek revival style, the home’s narrow gable end faces the street, and columns support the front porch, which is flanked by pilasters. A driveway to the left of the house leads to the garage in back, preserving the purity of the period design.
Michael J. Lee
ABOVE: The landscape designers at Offshoots Inc. installed lush garden beds across the front of the house to soften the facade and anchor the home to its site.
Michael J. Lee
ABOVE: In an unexpected touch, the traditional facade gives way to a more contemporary, two-story entrance hall, whose graceful staircase is flanked by balusters decoratively arranged in groups of three.
Michael J. Lee
ABOVE: Circulation spines on the north and south sides of the main floor encourage easy traffic flow through the main living spaces, as seen in this view from the rear mudroom through the kitchen and living/family room.
Michael J. Lee
ABOVE: “Every room is used formally and informally without the duplicate programming of spaces so common today,” says architect J.B. Clancy, who illustrates that point with the combination living and family room. Ensuring that no space goes unused is a central precept in net-zero living
Michael J. Lee
ABOVE: The kitchen is open to the living room and features an island with a trough sink serviced by two commercial-style pull-down faucets; the extended dining counter takes the place of a formal dining room that would rarely get used. The walnut cabinetry, stools and light fixture address the owners’ affection for midcentury-modern design.
Michael J. Lee
ABOVE: The sunny primary bedroom is located on the ground floor, enabling the owners to age in place. Like other rooms on this level, it opens directly onto the side terrace and features a rail that conceals the curtain hardware. Decor by Leslie Fine Interiors.
Michael J. Lee
ABOVE: In this bathroom, walnut cabinetry and trim are paired with a playful wall treatment, underscoring the home’s midcentury-modern vibe.
Michael J. Lee
ABOVE: All rooms on the main floor open to the terrace, which is sandwiched between two wings in the south-facing side yard, so it enjoys ample light and privacy from the street. The pergola provides shelter from the elements when dining.
Michael J. Lee
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
ART Architects
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
ART Architects