315 Windsor St – Cambridge
Project Spotlight: Headhouse and Custom Roof Deck at 315 Windsor St, Cambridge
While Abacus Builders & General Contractors typically focuses on projects close to home in South Boston, we’re always excited to expand our services beyond, and this project in Cambridge allowed us to do just that. Permitting in Cambridge comes with its own unique requirements compared to Boston, but by working closely with the city’s building department and asking the right questions, we were able to smoothly navigate the process and begin construction.
For this project, we were hired to build a new headhouse and roof deck atop a single-family home. Due to the limited open space—common in urban areas like Cambridge—the owners wanted to maximize their rooftop as a functional outdoor living area.
Key Features of the Project:
- A custom-made interior winding staircase was designed and installed, providing a stylish and space-efficient way to access the new roof deck.
- The headhouse was constructed with a full light glass access door, allowing natural light to flood the space and permeate down through the staircase—a fantastic feature that enhances the overall aesthetic and practicality of the home.
- The roof deck perimeter features a 42-inch knee wall rather than traditional handrails, offering privacy, wind protection, and added safety, making it a standout design element.
- Half of the deck surface was outfitted with artificial grass, providing a soft, child-friendly area ideal for playtime in the summer sun—an excellent solution to the heat issues that can occur with composite decking.
This Cambridge roof deck project was a joy to work on, with a thoughtful design by the architect and collaboration from wonderful homeowners. The unique features, such as the knee wall and artificial grass, make this space both functional and family-friendly.
At Abacus Builders, we’re proud of our ability to adapt to different city regulations and deliver exceptional results. While we typically serve Boston, projects like this showcase our capacity to expand and offer the same high-quality craftsmanship in other areas.