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Collection by Kelly Dawson

A Dilapidated Garage Transformed Into a Small Modern Cottage

An architect builds a 432-square-foot dwelling behind his home.

Architect Eric Haesloop and his wife were longtime residents of their century-old Berkeley, California house when an idea for a renovation arose. On the far end of their property, in the sunniest section of the backyard, sat a garage that Haesloop remembers being “just about ready to fall down.” Haesloop wanted to make better use of his land and he thought about rebuilding the site into a stand-alone cottage. His architecture firm Turnbull Griffin Haesloop started by recycling the garage, and then built a modern, energy-efficient structure in its place. “The new cottage goes across the back edge of the yard, and with the vine-covered wall, it provides a wonderful backdrop for the garden and complete privacy for the cottage,” he said. UC Berkeley students have been renting the space since its completion—a Swedish couple followed by a current post-graduate—and Haesloop said that the space is also open to his kids after they finish college. But, that’s another idea.

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“The garage was in bad shape and in the sunniest part of the yard,” Haesloop said. “That gave us the idea to build a new structure that would improve the overall site plan and give us a bigger garden with a southern exposure along the side.” Bonelli Windows and Doors supplied the panes that carry light into the cottage; the cladding is HardiePanels.
“The garage was in bad shape and in the sunniest part of the yard,” Haesloop said. “That gave us the idea to build a new structure that would improve the overall site plan and give us a bigger garden with a southern exposure along the side.” Bonelli Windows and Doors supplied the panes that carry light into the cottage; the cladding is HardiePanels.
“We were looking to get a much larger sense of space by keeping the volume generous and pulling the landscape views in,” Haesloop said, “even though the cottage is located in a fairly dense corner of Berkeley.” Red POÄNG chairs from IKEA sit on reclaimed white oak from Arborica, which runs throughout the home.
“We were looking to get a much larger sense of space by keeping the volume generous and pulling the landscape views in,” Haesloop said, “even though the cottage is located in a fairly dense corner of Berkeley.” Red POÄNG chairs from IKEA sit on reclaimed white oak from Arborica, which runs throughout the home.
Reclaimed white oak from Arborica was also used to create the dining table, which stands courtesy of Modern Legs. Bellini Chairs by Mario Bellini for Heller, purchased at Design Within Reach, surround the table. IKEA cabinets complete the kitchen.
Reclaimed white oak from Arborica was also used to create the dining table, which stands courtesy of Modern Legs. Bellini Chairs by Mario Bellini for Heller, purchased at Design Within Reach, surround the table. IKEA cabinets complete the kitchen.
Benjamin Moore’s Mountain Peak White shade was painted throughout the cottage.
Benjamin Moore’s Mountain Peak White shade was painted throughout the cottage.
Steepside Fog tiles by American Slate cover the bathroom floor. A Toto toilet stands beside a shower with a GROHE fixture.
Steepside Fog tiles by American Slate cover the bathroom floor. A Toto toilet stands beside a shower with a GROHE fixture.
As in the living room and kitchen, the cottage’s sole bedroom features linens from IKEA.
As in the living room and kitchen, the cottage’s sole bedroom features linens from IKEA.
“We have lived on the property for many years and decided this could improve the overall site plan and would provide a flexible space for renting,” Haesloop said. His home’s back cottage takes up 432 square feet on a 50-foot by 140-foot lot.
“We have lived on the property for many years and decided this could improve the overall site plan and would provide a flexible space for renting,” Haesloop said. His home’s back cottage takes up 432 square feet on a 50-foot by 140-foot lot.