Kaplan Architects, AIA Location: Oakland, CA, USA We were asked by the client to design an addition to their existing two story Cape Cod style house. The existing house had two bedrooms with one bath on the second level. They wanted to create an in-law type space for aging parents that would be easily accessible from the main level of the house. We looked at various ways to develop the extra space they wanted, including a separate detached in-law unit. They went with a scheme that has the new space attached to the back of the house. During the planning stage, they also decided to add a second level over the new addition which converted one of the existing bedrooms into a master bedroom suite. The final scheme has a new in-law suite at the ground level and a master bedroom, bath, walk-in closet, and bonus craft room on the second level. We designed the addition to look like it was part of the original house construction and detailed the interior and exterior with that approach in mind. New two story addition at the rear of the existing house. Mitch Shenker Photography