Project Overview: A Thoughtful Reimagination of Space

Every great architectural transformation begins with a question: how can we take what exists and evolve it into something more functional, beautiful, and enduring? For this residence, Unified Studio Architect was tasked with rethinking the home’s rear footprint. The existing one-story addition no longer served the homeowners’ needs—it was restrictive, closed-off, and outdated. Our solution involved a full demolition of the rear one-story extension and a complete redesign of the space into an open-plan, two-story addition that integrates seamlessly with the existing structure.

The resulting design was not just about adding square footage; it was about enhancing the way space interacts with light, air, and flow. With 348 square feet of added space, we created a versatile and elegant environment that supports everyday living and special moments alike.

Step 1: The Design Diagnosis – Understanding What Needed to Change

Before any sketches were drawn, our team engaged in a thorough diagnostic phase. We examined the functionality of the existing rear addition and assessed the client’s long-term living goals. Several issues stood out immediately:

 

• • The one-story addition was cramped and underutilized.

• • Circulation between the kitchen, dining, and living areas was disjointed.

• • Natural light penetration was poor due to limited window placement and roof slope.

• • There was no direct connection to the backyard, which the homeowners wanted to enjoy more fully.

This analysis informed our design strategy: demolish the existing structure, extend vertically and horizontally, introduce open-plan principles, and rethink circulation both within and beyond the walls.

Step 2: Demolishing the Past to Make Way for the Future

With client approval, we began the careful deconstruction of the existing 271-square-foot rear extension. The demolition process was handled strategically to preserve the main structure and utilities, while fully removing the outdated portion that no longer served a functional or aesthetic purpose.

We used this opportunity to set strong structural foundations for the two-story expansion, ensuring that both stories would be seamlessly integrated into the original home. This preparation was critical to the structural integrity and future performance of the new design.

Step 3: Creating an Open-Plan Living Experience

Open-plan living is more than just an architectural trend—it reflects the evolving way we live. Families seek versatility, natural connection between spaces, and freedom of movement. Our design embraced this philosophy by creating a fluid connection between the kitchen, dining, and living zones.

 

• • Kitchen: Redesigned with a central island, generous storage, and clear sightlines.

• • Dining Area: Positioned strategically to benefit from both natural light and adjacency to the outdoor deck.

• • Living Space: Expanded with ample room for both intimate family time and entertaining.

Together, these areas now form the heart of the home, unified by cohesive material palettes, continuous flooring, and integrated lighting.

Step 4: Enhancing Vertical Functionality with a Second Story

To truly maximize the rear footprint, we added a second story above the new addition. This vertical expansion allowed us to introduce a spacious and serene primary suite, designed for comfort and privacy.

Features of the New Second Floor:

 

• • Primary Suite: Includes a spa-inspired bathroom, walk-in closet, and large windows.

• • Reconfigured Circulation: A redesigned stair alignment optimizes the movement between floors.

• • Secondary Bedrooms: Adjusted in placement to allow for more privacy and access to natural light.

This reorganization improved the entire home’s flow and increased its capacity to support a growing family without sacrificing comfort.

Step 5: Gabled Roof for Aesthetic and Environmental Harmony

A major architectural gesture in this transformation was the replacement of the rear-sloped roof with a newly designed gable roof. This move offered several benefits:

 

• • Aesthetic Coherence: The gable form pays homage to traditional farmhouse architecture while introducing modern clean lines.

• • Improved Light and Air Circulation: The new roof geometry facilitates better airflow and brings in more natural light through clerestory and upper windows.

• • Spatial Expansion: The gabled form allowed for higher ceilings and enhanced spatial perception inside.

This modern gabled roof is not merely decorative. It actively contributes to the home’s performance and experience, inside and out.

Step 6: Durable and Sleek Exterior Detailing

Exterior finishes were selected not just for their appearance, but for their resilience. The new standing seam metal roof is a defining feature, both visually and functionally. It supports the home’s clean lines while ensuring protection from the elements for decades to come.

Additional exterior details include:

 

• • Fiber cement cladding: Low maintenance with a modern aesthetic.

• • Energy-efficient windows: Strategically placed to reduce heat gain and maximize cross ventilation.

• • Rear deck integration: Crafted with durable composite decking, providing a strong link between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Step 7: Interior Materials and Detailing

The interior palette is guided by the principles of minimalism, warmth, and usability. Each element was selected for its ability to balance style with durability.

 

• • Flooring: Wide-plank oak flooring for continuity and warmth.

• • Lighting: A mix of recessed LED and statement fixtures to provide both task and ambient lighting.

• • Cabinetry: Custom millwork that maximizes storage without overwhelming the visual field.

• • Bathroom Finishes: Porcelain tile, quartz countertops, and brushed nickel hardware complete the spa-like feel of the primary bath.

Every inch of the new space was considered for how it contributes to the homeowner’s daily routine and long-term needs.

Step 8: Strategic Door and Window Placement

One of the most important elements in this project was the strategic positioning of doors and windows. Natural light became a design tool, guiding how spaces were shaped and how materials were selected.

 

• • Sliding glass doors lead out to the deck, framing garden views and letting in southern sunlight.

• • Clerestory windows enhance daylighting in the primary suite.

• • Operable windows were used to improve ventilation and reduce reliance on mechanical systems.

These openings also enhance the architectural rhythm and contribute to the overall design cohesion.

Step 9: Sectional Views and Spatial Experience

To better visualize how the home functions, sectional drawings were used throughout the design process. These visuals helped communicate the spatial transitions and how light interacts with each level of the home.

 

• • Sectional Flow: From front to rear, spaces unfold naturally with clarity and hierarchy.

• • Ceiling Heights: Adjusted to make rooms feel expansive without overwhelming.

• • Material Changes: Used to indicate transitions and provide visual interest.

These technical strategies ensured that the home not only looked beautiful but felt intuitive to live in.

Final Results: A Functional and Emotional Rebirth

The transformation was more than just a construction project—it was a rebirth of space, memory, and future possibility. What was once a dated and cramped rear addition is now the centerpiece of the home, providing room for family gatherings, peaceful retreats, and everyday functionality.

 

• • Total Area Added: 348 SF

• • Rear Deck Integration: Enhanced indoor-outdoor connection

• • Improved Flow: Both horizontally and vertically

• • Timeless Style: A blend of farmhouse roots and modern clean lines

This is architecture that serves, inspires, and endures.

Why This Project Matters

This case study is a powerful example of how strategic architectural interventions can redefine how people live. Unified Studio Architect’s role extended beyond drawing and detailing—we became spatial strategists, vision translators, and design stewards.

For homeowners and prospective clients, this project stands as a testament to what thoughtful design can accomplish:

 

• • You don’t always need more square footage; you need better space.

• • Architectural clarity enhances daily life.

• • Light and air are as important as walls and floors.

• • Modern and traditional can coexist beautifully.

Every detail of this project reflects our commitment to design excellence, client collaboration, and architectural integrity.

Planning Your Own Home Transformation?

Unified Studio Architect can help you reimagine your home from the ground up—or the rear out. Whether you’re looking for a seamless addition, a light-filled renovation, or a complete spatial reconfiguration, our team brings creativity, technical knowledge, and passion to every project.

Let’s build your next chapter together.