Both Liraz and Raz spent their younger years in the Israeli Military where they first met. Following their years of service, they spent the next eight months traveling. With time spent in Peru, Brazil, and all throughout South America, they eventually made their way over to the States. After a whirlwind of traveling for many years, hopping from U.S. city to city and apartment to transient apartment, they were finally ready to settle down with their three young children and find a place to call their own.
The stunning view of the Crystal Lake played a large role in the redesign of the home. They created a carport addition that seconds as a raised deck (where this picture was taken) perfect for a late-night dip in the hot tub or breakfast al fresco.
In Newton, Massachusetts they found a beautiful home overlooking Crystal Lake. Having only two previous owners over the past century, Raz and Liraz were ready to take this traditional home and breathe some contemporary life into it.
Before (left) and after (right) renovations of the exterior: They gave their home a fresh and updated look (as well as some much-needed natural light), while still keeping the integrity of this historical building.
With a clear minimalist design style in mind, Raz and Liraz called upon Charles Rose Architects for their expertise. We sat down with Charles, and the lead architect on the project, Timothy Jones (T.J.), to learn more about their design. They first explained that this renovation project was a complete overhaul. They began by gutting the inside of the building, tearing down walls in the process to give the interior a minimalist and open feel.
We sat down with Charles Rose (middle) and T.J. Jones (right) of Charles Rose Architects to discuss the finer points of this transformative project.
Before (left) and after (right) renovation of the interior. Design by Charles Rose Architecture.
While the interior was completely transformed, Raz and Liraz were adamant that they wanted to preserve the Victorian era feel of the home from the outside. When you pass by the home on the street, it fits in with the neighborhood, still evoking a historical feel. However, as you make your way to the back you begin to realize a modern slate and steel carport and raised deck addition that only begins to allude to the transformation that has taken place within.
The modern slate and steel addition in the back of the house leaves you curious as to what you will be greeted with inside.
When you walk in the front door, what was once a maze of tight hallways and closed-off rooms, has been transformed into a refreshing view all the way across the wide-open first floor. As Charles describes it, “you step into a whole new world.” They knew that the couple was interested in a minimalist home with an open floor plan. They used the exterior as a foil, while creating a clean modern feel inside. It showcases simple white walls, a stunning glass staircase, and a few carefully selected pieces all centered around the gorgeous three-sided gas fireplace
Raz had a vision that you would be able to see straight through the home, from front door to back. By tearing down the cluttered walls, they were able to create an inviting open floor plan.
Natural light filters into the home and the kids can zoom through the sliding rear door into a relatively big (for Boston standards) backyard.
It was important for the Evenor’s to choose a few select pieces that they cared deeply about. With influences from all around the world, Liraz took the lead in finding products that would suit her home from Spain, Iran, and throughout Italy. When choosing the fireplace, they agreed that they needed something that would pop and also be viewable from 180 degrees or more. The result was a fireplace for the kitchen, dining area, and living room all in one.
No matter if you’re chopping vegetables in the kitchen, sitting down to dinner, or hosting guests in the living room, this bay-style fireplace is always in view.
Throwing in yet another modern design culture, the couple decided on the Trisore 100H gas fireplace, by Element4 from the Netherlands. The flames bring a warm, organic feel and juxtapose the clean glass lines of the fireplace, and the geometric profile of the staircase.
A place to relax: Guests sip French wine and take in the fire on a peaceful New England fall afternoon.
As they wait on a few final pieces to arrive from around the globe, Raz and Liraz are ready to sit back and admire the minimalist masterpiece they worked so hard to create. After years of traveling, and months of renovating, they are looking forward to simply enjoying their time here and giving this home another lifetime of memories.
Hidden compartments in the walls make this the tidiest playroom you ever did see!
Special Thanks To:
The Evenor Family: Thank you Raz and Liraz for your hospitality and sharing your beautiful home with us!
Photography by: Lauren Piandes and Cory Ploessl
Interview Produced by: Cory Ploessl
Posted By: Jamie Nickerson
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