The clients bought the house primarily for its proximity to wetlands and walking trails. But the modest, one-story house could only see the wetlands at the height of winter when the tall surrounding growth thinned out; and the birds, which the owner spent much time watching, were mostly gone. So this renovation project had an overarching mission: bring the wetlands into the house’s purview and maximize natural light. Quickly, even with a tight budget, it became clear that the only way to achieve these goals was to remove the roof and build a second story. The new upper level has expansive views and sundrenched spaces with an enormous deck overlooking the wetlands from all angles. The new master bedroom, sunny bathroom and study are the other second floor spaces, accessed via an open stair. While the budget did not allow for a significant amount of renovation to existing 1st floor and basement spaces, new windows were strategically added to improve views and natural light, and the original, rather low 1st floor ceiling height was able to gain 8 inches via lifting the roof and adding the second story.