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Collection by Dave Siebert

The Treehouse

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Phoenix design-build firm The Construction Zone renovated an old concrete-and-steel barn, turning it into a sleek new guesthouse with an open-plan, three-room layout. Completed for approximately $300,000, the 790-square-foot adaptive reuse project carefully preserves the character of the existing structure while upgrading it to match the modern aesthetic of the main residence.
Phoenix design-build firm The Construction Zone renovated an old concrete-and-steel barn, turning it into a sleek new guesthouse with an open-plan, three-room layout. Completed for approximately $300,000, the 790-square-foot adaptive reuse project carefully preserves the character of the existing structure while upgrading it to match the modern aesthetic of the main residence.
The glass-backed home illuminated at night.
The glass-backed home illuminated at night.
Glossy black accents contrast with natural wood finishes throughout the interior.
Glossy black accents contrast with natural wood finishes throughout the interior.
Ultimately the aim of the design is to help Ken retain his memories and keep him safe.
Ultimately the aim of the design is to help Ken retain his memories and keep him safe.
In the early stages of the addition concept process, Wibowo referred to a research publication from Australia, Dementia Care and the Built Environment, which underscores the importance of building a space that is as homelike as possible, with abundant light and many familiar objects in place. The architect accomplished this by creating custom shelving to hold ceramics that Ken made or collected over the years along with pieces by artist friends
In the early stages of the addition concept process, Wibowo referred to a research publication from Australia, Dementia Care and the Built Environment, which underscores the importance of building a space that is as homelike as possible, with abundant light and many familiar objects in place. The architect accomplished this by creating custom shelving to hold ceramics that Ken made or collected over the years along with pieces by artist friends
The addition, which includes a bedroom and a bathroom, also boasts an enclosed deck, a feature recommended for those with Alzheimer’s. “Ken used to do the landscaping here,” says Wibowo. “He also put many of the shingles on the original house.”
The addition, which includes a bedroom and a bathroom, also boasts an enclosed deck, a feature recommended for those with Alzheimer’s. “Ken used to do the landscaping here,” says Wibowo. “He also put many of the shingles on the original house.”
Wibowo also notes that the window on the bridge between the two structures could eventually be replaced with a door if the couple ever want to build a ramp.
Wibowo also notes that the window on the bridge between the two structures could eventually be replaced with a door if the couple ever want to build a ramp.
The addition’s beveled cedar siding will eventually weather to match the existing shakes, “but it’s different enough to distinguish the two,” says Wibowo. “The window frames and metal roof color also match the dark bronze aluminum of the existing house, so it all blends."
The addition’s beveled cedar siding will eventually weather to match the existing shakes, “but it’s different enough to distinguish the two,” says Wibowo. “The window frames and metal roof color also match the dark bronze aluminum of the existing house, so it all blends."
The couple's house, designed by architect L. Jane Hastings in the early 1970s, is located on a steeply sloped site that backs up to a state park.
The couple's house, designed by architect L. Jane Hastings in the early 1970s, is located on a steeply sloped site that backs up to a state park.
Claire and Ken Stevens approached architect Ko Wibowo to create a modern addition to their 1970s home in Tacoma, Washington. The couple’s needs had changed since Ken was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years ago.
Claire and Ken Stevens approached architect Ko Wibowo to create a modern addition to their 1970s home in Tacoma, Washington. The couple’s needs had changed since Ken was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years ago.