Pilot House

Boston, Massachusetts

First Generation Space Planning Axonometric View

The project renovates and expands the mid-19th-century marine shipping storehouse, The Pilot House, with a completely rebuilt infrastructure, full re-fitting of roof and glazing, interior core and build-out, and a new companion little-brother building. Extensive remedial work captured a new gym space within the foundations; space surrendered previously to the daily incursion of high tide. The Pilot House, sited on one of Boston’s most iconic North End Harborwalks, integrates modern needs into a historic shell, preserving the character and integrity of the surrounding neighborhood.

StudioDSK reimagines the corporate work environment. The Firm’s work with the original circa 1845 masonry and heavy timber structure spans almost 40 years. The design addresses accessibility issues appropriate to each building and unites the floor plates of the 1839 masonry building with the 1990s steel and curtain wall addition to enhance the connection between all three buildings on Lewis Wharf. Modular wall systems throughout the space allow for the flexibility of conference and office areas, and a new open stairway between floors improves communication between two previously distinct, yet related, companies. The integrated complex of 21st-century flexible, light-filled, high-performance work environments preserves the integrity and character of the historic 1839 and 20th-century additions.

Structural Engineer

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

MEP+F Engineers

van Zelm Engineers

Interior Designer

Ed Gatta

General Contractor

Corderman & Company

Code Consultant

Robert Carisitti

1995 Hand Sketch of the Renovation + Addition

Composition

In the third phase of work on Pilot House, studioDSK designs the next set of upgrades to this historic waterfront building in Boston’s North End. This project included multiple spaces in the building, commercial offices, a kitchen, and a gym. The team worked closely with our clients to work through challenges and find thoughtful solutions for the complicated program needs. With an emphasis on sustainability, features such as the gym were designed and built with the future in mind. The basement of Pilot House has flooded multiple times in the past, and with its location on the waterfront and rising sea levels, the new gym and locker rooms are designed to accept the inevitable flooding. All finishes and materials below the seven-foot water line resist moisture and can be easily cleaned when the water recedes. Pilot House may be a historic 1850’s building, but it is being brought into the future with LEED-EB certification and resilient design.