#1 | 09/28/2023Lexington: On a Mission
The crew starts a new project in Lexington, MA, to make a 1960 mid-century modern home accessible for a family with a son who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The crew meets the homeowners to learn about the disease and the challenges the current setup of the house poses. The project is a race against time, but the crew is determined to get the family back into their home as soon as possible.
#2 | 10/05/2023Lexington: Shore We Can
The interior is demoed, and rebuilding has begun. The new design and energy code are explained.
#3 | 10/12/2023Lexington: The Big Dig
Accessible features integrated into the design begin at construction. A new mechanical room connects to the old via a block wall tunnel, HVAC ducting is buried underground, and after learning about residential elevators, framing begins for one.
#4 | 10/19/2023Lexington: Engineered For Accessibility
A lally column stands in the way of the new open floor plan. As a solution, it is removed, and the ridge beam is replaced with a trio of engineered beams. The new landscape is previewed in 3D, and tips are shared for creating an accessible bathroom.
#5 | 10/26/2023Lexington: Gone Geo
A zero-threshold entry to the patio is framed. Geothermal energy is explained, and wells are dug.
#6 | 11/02/2023Lexington: Reworked and Rewired
The fully framed front of the house is revealed; work continues on the geothermal system; the connection to the interior is made; blocking is installed in the framing; replacing and rewiring old receptacles.
#7 | 11/09/2023Lexington: Ramping Up
Repairing the original brick; building a DIY ramp; touring a modern accessible home; adding trim to the exterior.
#8 | 11/16/2023Lexington: Drop in the Gutter
A walking tour of the roof reveals its various pitches; installing a built-in gutter system; rough-in begins on the interior; energy-efficient windows are installed.
#9 | 01/04/2024Lexington: Phased Out
Work on the house is divided into phases for efficient workflow; the back foundation gets a stucco finish; kitchen cabinet selection; installing siding; the back patio gets proper drainage.
#10 | 01/11/2024Lexington: Seven Layer Floors
The slab-on-grade foundation is built up; accessible AV solutions are explored; prep begins for a curbless shower; installing an automatic zero threshold door.
#11 | 01/18/2024Lexington: Electrical Bond
Copper bonding is installed before the therapy pool is craned in; tile selections are revealed; the integrated entrance ramp gets snow melt and a final layer of concrete; elevator disconnects are installed.
#12 | 01/25/2024Lexington: Upcycled
Building the elevator cab; using leftover flooring to make a modern feature for the kitchen island; exploring AV solutions for accessibility; installing new solar panels.
#13 | 02/01/2024Lexington: Install With Care
Work on the internal geothermal systems begins; installing in-wall lighting to illuminate the entrance ramp; installing an offset p-trap; a visit to a glass-blowing studio; grab bar installation begins.
#14 | 02/08/2024Lexington: All in the Family
Landscape planting begins with screen trees and rose bushes; the children pitch in on a painting project; the homeowners discuss Duchenne muscular dystrophy; a modern staircase is installed in the foyer.
#15 | 02/15/2024Lexington: Judgement Day
Geothermal is in; kitchen appliances are installed; the new HERS score is revealed.
#16 | 02/22/2024Lexington: Accessible Made Modern
The completed renovation of the 1960 mid-century modern home accommodates a family of five, including a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; the crew returns to go through the changes with the family.