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Natural light was extra important to Aaron, as this space functions as his art studio, too.

Floor Plan of The Angled Dwelling Unit by ChandlerWorkshop Architects

Brian designed the house around the two fruit trees in the backyard, which they think are between 80 and 100 years old. "I love to host and really wanted the layout to accommodate large groups of friends without feeling claustrophobic," Melissa says. "I think we achieved this by utilizing our outdoor space so intentionally."

Before: Michelle Young and Augustin Pasquet bought this townhouse in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn with the goal to modernize it without losing key historical features, like the main floor layout and decorative woodwork in the entry.

Solomon Troupe Architects designed this 430-square-foot backyard bedroom suite for the owners to retreat to when their family comes to visit.

Floor plan of Saltwater Farm guest cabin by RAD LAB.

The Cabin is used by a couple with a young child, who spend their weekends here while a larger country home is under construction.

“We pulled apart one volume and staggered it along the buildable area of the property,” says architect Matthew Ahlberg of Portland firm Barrett Made. The home is clad in unfinished cedar, meant to weather over time.

After the home was assembled, a local contractor built the outdoor concrete patio and barbecue on site.

Every room received refinished hardwood floors, and resurfaced walls. New furnishings and refreshed bookcases were added to the living room.

Given the home’s tight and efficient footprint, the architects sought to use simple materials and strategic moves to delineate different spaces and uses. The lower ceiling height of the living room, for example, distinguishes it from the dining area, which has a taller ceiling.

Concrete is used for the walls and ceiling and stone for the floors to maintain an urban, industrial feeling.