The homeowner of this old, detached garage wanted to create a functional living space with a kitchen, bathroom and second-story bedroom, while still maintaining a functional garage space. We salvaged hickory wood for the floors and built custom fir cabinets in the kitchen with patchwork tile backsplash and energy efficient appliances. As a historical home but without historical requirements, we had fun blending era-specific elements like traditional wood windows, French doors, and wood garage doors with modern elements like solar panels on the roof and accent lighting in the stair risers. In preparation for the next phase of construction (a full kitchen remodel and addition to the main house), we connected the plumbing between the main house and carriage house to make the project more cost-effective. We also built a new gate with custom stonework to match the trellis, expanded the patio between the main house and garage, and installed a gas fire pit to seamlessly tie the structures together and provide a year-round outdoor living space.

This interior view of the bridge connecting different elements of the home has a view over the seasonal stream running through the property. Photography: VanceFox.com

Constructed in two phases, this renovation, with a few small additions, touched nearly every room in this late ‘50’s ranch house. The owners raised their family within the original walls and love the house’s location, which is not far from town and also borders conservation land. But they didn’t love how chopped up the house was and the lack of exposure to natural daylight and views of the lush rear woods. Plus, they were ready to de-clutter for a more stream-lined look. As a result, KHS collaborated with them to create a quiet, clean design to support the lifestyle they aspire to in retirement. To transform the original ranch house, KHS proposed several significant changes that would make way for a number of related improvements. Proposed changes included the removal of the attached enclosed breezeway (which had included a stair to the basement living space) and the two-car garage it partially wrapped, which had blocked vital eastern daylight from accessing the interior. Together the breezeway and garage had also contributed to a long, flush front façade. In its stead, KHS proposed a new two-car carport, attached storage shed, and exterior basement stair in a new location. The carport is bumped closer to the street to relieve the flush front facade and to allow access behind it to eastern daylight in a relocated rear kitchen. KHS also proposed a new, single, more prominent front entry, closer to the driveway to replace the former secondary entrance into the dark breezeway and a more formal main entrance that had been located much farther down the facade and curiously bordered the bedroom wing. Inside, low ceilings and soffits in the primary family common areas were removed to create a cathedral ceiling (with rod ties) over a reconfigured semi-open living, dining, and kitchen space. A new gas fireplace serving the relocated dining area -- defined by a new built-in banquette in a new bay window -- was designed to back up on the existing wood-burning fireplace that continues to serve the living area. A shared full bath, serving two guest bedrooms on the main level, was reconfigured, and additional square footage was captured for a reconfigured master bathroom off the existing master bedroom. A new whole-house color palette, including new finishes and new cabinetry, complete the transformation. Today, the owners enjoy a fresh and airy re-imagining of their familiar ranch house. Photos by Katie Hutchison

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There are two pairs of Evening Song duet at opposing ends of this breezeway. My clients wanted "screen doors like my grandmother had, only with birds". The breezeway perfectly links the historic home to its addition. Another stellar project by Clayton/Little architects.

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Converted a water damaged breezeway into a functional multi purpose space. The previous sheet rock ceiling was low and water damaged. We opened the space by removing the sheet rock and reframing in order to expose the existing vaulted ceiling that was previously hidden. We poured new concrete floors and installed new lights and fans. To complete the space, we installed stained wood with UV screens on both ends of the breezeway in order to allow for a breeze without the intense heat and bugs.

Converted a water damaged breezeway into a functional multi purpose space. The previous sheet rock ceiling was low and water damaged. We opened the space by removing the sheet rock and reframing in order to expose the existing vaulted ceiling that was previously hidden. We poured new concrete floors and installed new lights and fans. To complete the space, we installed stained wood with UV screens on both ends of the breezeway in order to allow for a breeze without the intense heat and bugs.

SeaThru is a new, waterfront, modern home. SeaThru was inspired by the mid-century modern homes from our area, known as the Sarasota School of Architecture. This homes designed to offer more than the standard, ubiquitous rear-yard waterfront outdoor space. A central courtyard offer the residents a respite from the heat that accompanies west sun, and creates a gorgeous intermediate view fro guest staying in the semi-attached guest suite, who can actually SEE THROUGH the main living space and enjoy the bay views. Noble materials such as stone cladding, oak floors, composite wood louver screens and generous amounts of glass lend to a relaxed, warm-contemporary feeling not typically common to these types of homes. Photos by Ryan Gamma Photography

Stacey Smith
Mid-sized cottage red one-story concrete exterior home photo in Austin

Rear, arched breezeway view of addition/remodel project - 2 story addition to the left of the existing home, and includes this arched walkway from the existing detached garage. Addition consists of first floor light-filled family room with beamed ceiling, and second floor master suite addition/remodel that includes His & Hers walk-in closets, coffee bar, and laundry. Existing kitchen & family room were remodeled to include bar, butler pantry, large kitchen with island, hearth room, breakfast room, walk-in china closet, mudroom, and pool bath. Mick Bingaman Photography

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Angle Eye Photography
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