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The siding is covered in “Simply White” by Benjamin Moore.

The airy kitchen is fitted with black walnut cabinetry, stainless steel countertops, and a six-burner Viking Range. Floor-to-ceiling windows connect the space to the private backyard.

Julie and Chris Hill’s home in Austin is built around a pair of massive oak trees, one of which shoots through an ipe deck, past a pair of Loll deck chairs, and into a void in the overhanging roof. “The hole also allows light to penetrate deeper into the house,” notes designer Kevin Alter.

Upon entry, an elevator opens directly into a large foyer which leads to the main living room. Sliding black-encased glass doors connects the space to the formal dining area beyond.

The house retained its same basic form in front, part of a lush West Seattle neighborhood.

As part of the renovation, they extended the rear of the bottom two floors—their apartment—by 10 feet. The extension not only gave the couple more room but also created a terrace for their tenants above.

Re-Open House plans

Garcia says people often comment that the ADU just needs a refrigerator and dishwasher, not realizing that both are seamlessly concealed in the cabinetry. “It’s actually a fully-functioning kitchen,” says Garcia, including a 15-inch WOLF cooktop, a TK dishwasher drawer, and TK refrigerator drawer. The counter is Caesarstone.

A series of skylights flood the interior with natural light.

Floor-to-ceiling glass melds the tiny building with its surroundings, while nine-foot-tall ceilings give it a spacious feel.