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In the kitchen, Bontempo cabinetry by Armazem Design complements iceberg quartzite slabs for counters and backsplash. The pendants are by Matter Made.

The pendants are by Matter Made.

In the sunken living room, the floor tile is by Ariostea and runs from inside to out. The sofa is Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin.

The new steel-and-glass rear facade expands views and daylight for the ground floor living areas and the primary bedroom above. The sliding glass doors are by Otiima Windows.

The corner is the family’s favorite gathering spot—“a contemporary cave for three,” says Serge. Luisa’s module, with its cactus-lined terrace, is visible through the glass wall.

The finished attic is a standout feature, creating an additional flexible space inside the apartment.

After: A commanding carport greets visitors at the entry point to the house.

Jane McDougall and David Beynon of alsoCAN architects transformed their 600-square-foot backyard shed into a self-contained guests suite with a kitchenette, bedroom, and wheelchair-accessible bathroom.

The dining area features a vintage Eero Saarinen Oval dining table, Omar De Biaggio Bacco chairs from Design Within Reach, and an Acorn pendant by Atle Tveit for Northern.

In the kitchen, a glass backsplash is one of many connections to the outdoors. The Hee barstools are by Hay and the Highline pendant light is by Rakumba Lighting Australia.

Making maximum use of a tight footprint, architect Robert Sweet designed a two-story home in Hermosa Beach that provides plenty of flexible indoor/outdoor space for residents Anton and Mardi Watts and their children.

The laundry area is also housed on the lowest level.

The new basement level now serves as an entryway, and includes an 'urban mudroom.'

"The narrowness of the house required the design to make effective yet frugal uses of space," explains the firm. "Precise positioning of walls, doors, and windows were crucial as each floor was planned to serve a purpose."

To maximize functionality in the original two-story home, Office of Architecture treated the residence to a complete gut renovation, which allowed for the new four-level layout.