This is another example of the classic second story addition that we do a lot of here in Seattle. A builder client approached us to design the makeover of this house after he acquired it at a foreclosure auction. Our solution repurposes the basement as a large, open entertainment space, guest suite and home office. The main level contains the public functions - Living, Dining, Kitchen and formal Den - while the upper level contains 2 ample children bedrooms and a Master Suite with a large walk-in closet, 5-piece bath, a sleeping area with a Juliet balcony oriented toward a view of the Cascade Mountains. Because of the urban location of this project, zoning and environmental codes tend to be the main form determinant for structures. Setbacks, lot coverage requirements and separation between the main house and the garage were the main contributing factors in this structure’s shape and footprint. Proximity to an old land fill required an extensive methane mitigation system throughout the project site.