Reverse Shed Eichler This project is part tear-down, part remodel. The original L-shaped plan allowed the living/ dining/ kitchen wing to be completely re-built while retaining the shell of the bedroom wing virtually intact. The rebuilt entertainment wing was enlarged 50% and covered with a low-slope reverse-shed roof sloping from eleven to thirteen feet. The shed roof floats on a continuous glass clerestory with eight foot transom. Cantilevered steel frames support wood roof beams with eaves of up to ten feet. An interior glass clerestory separates the kitchen and livingroom for sound control. A wall-to-wall skylight illuminates the north wall of the kitchen/family room. New additions at the back of the house add several “sliding” wall planes, where interior walls continue past full-height windows to the exterior, complimenting the typical Eichler indoor-outdoor ceiling and floor planes. The existing bedroom wing has been re-configured on the interior, changing three small bedrooms into two larger ones, and adding a guest suite in part of the original garage. A previous den addition provided the perfect spot for a large master ensuite bath and walk-in closet. Natural materials predominate, with fir ceilings, limestone veneer fireplace walls, anigre veneer cabinets, fir sliding windows and interior doors, bamboo floors, and concrete patios and walks. Landscape design by Bernard Trainor: www.bernardtrainor.com (see “Concrete Jungle” in April 2014 edition of Dwell magazine). Microsoft Media Center installation of the Year, 2008: www.cybermanor.com/ultimate_install.html (automated shades, radiant heating system, and lights, as well as security & sound).

Who lives there: Asha Mevlana and her Havanese dog named Bali Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas Size: Main house (400 sq ft), Trailer (160 sq ft.), 1 loft bedroom, 1 bath What sets your home apart: The home was designed specifically for my lifestyle. My inspiration: After reading the book, "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying," I got inspired to just live with things that bring me joy which meant scaling down on everything and getting rid of most of my possessions and all of the things that I had accumulated over the years. I also travel quite a bit and wanted to live with just what I needed. About the house: The L-shaped house consists of two separate structures joined by a deck. The main house (400 sq ft), which rests on a solid foundation, features the kitchen, living room, bathroom and loft bedroom. To make the small area feel more spacious, it was designed with high ceilings, windows and two custom garage doors to let in more light. The L-shape of the deck mirrors the house and allows for the two separate structures to blend seamlessly together. The smaller "amplified" structure (160 sq ft) is built on wheels to allow for touring and transportation. This studio is soundproof using recycled denim, and acts as a recording studio/guest bedroom/practice area. But it doesn't just look like an amp, it actually is one -- just plug in your instrument and sound comes through the front marine speakers onto the expansive deck designed for concerts. My favorite part of the home is the large kitchen and the expansive deck that makes the home feel even bigger. The deck also acts as a way to bring the community together where local musicians perform. I love having a the amp trailer as a separate space to practice music. But I especially love all the light with windows and garage doors throughout. Design team: Brian Crabb (designer), Zack Giffin (builder, custom furniture) Vickery Construction (builder) 3 Volve Construction (builder) Design dilemmas: Because the city wasn’t used to having tiny houses there were certain rules that didn’t quite make sense for a tiny house. I wasn’t allowed to have stairs leading up to the loft, only ladders were allowed. Since it was built, the city is beginning to revisit some of the old rules and hopefully things will be changing. Photo cred: Don Shreve

Here is an architecturally built house from the early 1970's which was brought into the new century during this complete home remodel by opening up the main living space with two small additions off the back of the house creating a seamless exterior wall, dropping the floor to one level throughout, exposing the post an beam supports, creating main level on-suite, den/office space, refurbishing the existing powder room, adding a butlers pantry, creating an over sized kitchen with 17' island, refurbishing the existing bedrooms and creating a new master bedroom floor plan with walk in closet, adding an upstairs bonus room off an existing porch, remodeling the existing guest bathroom, and creating an in-law suite out of the existing workshop and garden tool room.

Marcus & Willers Architects
Small farmhouse gray one-story wood exterior home idea in San Francisco

Kaihani wanted to create a space that reminded her of Hawaii. A vacation getaway in her own backyard. We revamped the pool, adding a flowing water feature and glowing stones. We resurfaced the deck with hardy Ipe wood and travertine. And we created a cozy seating area next to an elegant fire pit. To get to Hawaii, Kaihani only has to step out her back door. It's breath taking...it's like being back home in Hawaii. Melissa Wright

shows elevator in black, and all else in forefront is addition, same with deck and spiral stair, new metal siding on existing, pool and retaining wall where existing

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2013 Houzz
Greenhouse - eclectic detached greenhouse idea in Austin

Photo by Langdon Clay
This is an example of a large rustic full sun backyard brick garden path in San Francisco.

southeast shows addition to house on right of building, brick on building is existing but stained new color, wood color metal siding added to brick for interest and rhythm, new entry roof extention from existing entry, existing covered entry enclosed as foyer space.

A simple efficient In-Law Suite Addition. Designed for 1 floor living with an internal ramp to allow for a wheelchair or walker. This connects directly into the existing house so the entire family can be together. Photo by: Joshua Sukenick

A counter height peninsula provides more workable surface area and opens the kitchen to the breakfast room. The back wall of counter to ceiling cabinetry provides ample storage reducing clutter. © Lassiter Photography.

Existing parking
Example of a trendy garage design in Tampa

A simple efficient In-Law Suite Addition. Designed for 1 floor living with an internal ramp to allow for a wheelchair or walker. This connects directly into the existing house so the entire family can be together. Photo by: Joshua Sukenick

This was constructed as an addition to an existing brick residence dating from the 1960's. The client requested a traditional character. The design program included a heated breezeway connection to the existing residence, garage parking for two cars, a weaving studio/guest room above, and a greenhouse to support the site's extensive landscaping.

A simple efficient In-Law Suite Addition. Designed for 1 floor living with an internal ramp to allow for a wheelchair or walker. This connects directly into the existing house so the entire family can be together. Photo by: Joshua Sukenick

new stair down to deck replaced masonry stair, helical piers used. This Deck was existing
Danish deck photo in Milwaukee

Exterior of In-law suite addition that matches the existing home in Clover Hill of Frederick, MD 21702
Mid-sized blue one-story vinyl house exterior photo in DC Metro with a clipped gable roof and a shingle roof

View from existing Living room to expansion Living Room and bridge to In law suite.
Example of a mid-sized arts and crafts open concept medium tone wood floor kitchen/dining room combo design in New York with beige walls

A simple efficient In-Law Suite Addition. Designed for 1 floor living with an internal ramp to allow for a wheelchair or walker. This connects directly into the existing house so the entire family can be together. Photo by: Joshua Sukenick