Enclosing porch creates mudroom and sheltered entry

This Arlington couple started out to replace a deteriorating walkway and saw an opportunity to replace and enhance an existing porch. The interior layout offers little space to welcome guests or stow wet shoes and umbrellas. Additionally an enclosed entry would enable us to remove the storm door and reveal the elegant design of the front entry door and sidelites.

We coordinated with Robert Gilmore Landscape Design to enlarge the porch footprint and provide a landing outside the new french door of the mudroom enclosure. Landscape design included a new bluestone paver walkway around the entry as well as reconfiguration of planting beds, a pea stone border for drainage, and a path through the back garden. Contractor David Picazio poured a new concrete base for the porch and wide bluestone steps for a more durable and gracious entry.

Located in an Historic District of Arlington, this modest dutch colonial on a small lot had an existing porch that was neither in keeping with the style of the home nor in good repair. Two abutters have homes of the same style and it was important that we propose a design which met the needs of the client while addressing the requirements of the Historic District and harmonizing with the adjacent properties.

When construction is complete later this month, the new entry will be enclosed in glass and have a built-in bench with cubbies for storage.