This Old House Season 31 Episode 20 Roxbury House Project 06

This Old House season 31 episode 20, titled "Roxbury House Project 06," features the ongoing renovation project of an 1860s townhouse located in Roxbury, Massachusetts. The team faces a variety of challenges as they work to restore the house's historic details while also modernizing and updating its layout.

The episode begins with host Kevin O'Connor meeting with general contractor Tom Silva to discuss the team's progress on the project. They note that they've hit a snag in the renovation of the home's exterior, as the old brickwork is proving difficult to match. Despite this setback, they're still making strides inside the home, with the installation of new windows and framing for the addition on the rear of the house.

Next, Kevin heads inside to meet with architect Treff LaFleche, who is tasked with designing the interior layout of the house. Treff explains how he's working to create an open, modern feel while still preserving the historic charm of the home. He shows Kevin how he's using a computer program to design the room layouts and furniture placement, ensuring that the space will be functional and visually pleasing.

Meanwhile, homeowner Liz and her friend and project manager Judy are selecting finishes for the renovation. They head to a local tile store to choose a backsplash for the kitchen, selecting a blue and white pattern that complements the house's classic design. They also visit a plumbing showroom to choose fixtures, including a vintage-inspired clawfoot tub for the master bathroom.

Back on the job site, Tom and his team are working on installing new HVAC systems throughout the house. They explain to Kevin how they're using a combination of traditional ductwork and modern split units to ensure that the house stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Later in the episode, Kevin meets with the team responsible for restoring the home's original plaster ceiling medallions. They explain how they carefully removed the damaged medallions from the ceiling, created molds of them, and then cast new ones using a special plaster mixture. The team shows off the finished medallions, which are stunning examples of the period craftsmanship that will be preserved in the restored home.

Finally, the episode concludes with a look at the progress made on the addition at the rear of the house. Tom explains how they've had to dig down more than 10 feet to create a foundation for the addition, which will include a new kitchen and family room. The team is working hard to ensure that this new space seamlessly integrates with the rest of the historic home, and it's clear that they're making great progress towards that goal.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a great sense of the scope and challenges of the Roxbury House renovation project. From matching historic brickwork to installing modern HVAC systems, the team is working hard to create a home that's both functional and stunningly beautiful. It's clear that this will be a labor of love, but the end result will be an incredible piece of history preserved for decades to come.