adu

There’s the option to rent out the top floor, but it also makes a great place for family visiting from Europe to stay.

Metal stairs leading to the bedroom loft area

In leafy northwest Washington, D.C., a two-story addition expands a 1936 home without overwhelming it.

With walls of glass on two sides, being in the breakfast nook feels almost like being outside.

New steps on the house's addition pair garapa wood planks atop concrete forms. "I did research and got advice to make it work without warping,

Exterior

A staircase with white oak treads accesses the loft-style bedroom. The kitchen counters and bathroom flooring are crafted from concrete mixed with glass beads that give the material an organic feel and a lighter weight.

The studio is primarily constructed from 90mm CLT panels. “It’s the most commonplace, everyday CLT material you can find,” says architect Cristian Stefanescu. “The construction is a bit childlike, like when you cut pieces of cardboard and tape them together.”

The millwork hides the bed and desk, but it also conceals the air conditioner. “Everything is integrated,” says Losada-Amor. “That’s what keeps it clean.” Even the garage door mechanism is hidden here.

Though the ceiling looks spectacular, it’s really crafted from standard 2’x2’ boards from Home Depot. LED light strips enhance the impact. “When you explain the method to someone, they’re like, ‘that’s it?!’” Laughs Losada-Amor.

The simple wood deck features innovative cutouts that allow full-grown Yucca trees to peek through.

The owners toured this home, which surrounds a mature tipu tipu tree, while visiting relatives for the day. The brick is original to the 1947 construction.

No one wanted to alter the stairway, and kept its original design intact. New windows and a clever and sleek wood staircase highlight the private courtyard outside.