Engleman Serrel | John Lum Architecture

A modest 10-foot addition on the rear of this small cottage completely transformed it, from a warren of disconnected rooms and a dysfunctional floor plan, into a logical, intuitive plan that works beautifully for this family of three.

The addition was conceived as an economic solution to avoid replacing the foundation of the entire house and provided room for a basement guest suite with full bath, a much needed first floor family room off the existing kitchen, and a master bedroom suite on the second floor. The master suite has a shed roof with south-facing clerestories, allowing for southern sun on otherwise a dark north-facing exposure.

Other interior moves include opening the dining room to the living room through a door alignment and converting the previously unused front yard into a private courtyard with French doors.