(Client names omitted for privacy)

A senior couple approached us after purchasing a long, narrow property that contained an aging home needing full demolition. Their goals were clear: design a right-sized home for aging in place, locate a purpose-built woodworking shop at the rear of the lot, and create a layout that supported comfort, practicality, and proximity to their nearby family. The project needed to feel modest and familiar from the street, blending naturally with the surrounding neighborhood while still meeting the couple’s evolving needs, including accessibility and space for the client’s woodworking business.

• Narrow Lot Width
Careful space planning and internal flow were required to maintain comfortable movement throughout the house and create balanced curb appeal within the tight horizontal dimension.
• Aging-in-Place Requirements The clients needed a truly main-floor-focused home—no stairs, no crawlspace maintenance, wide pathways, and a layout that would remain functional long-term.
• Dual-Use Property Goals
 The design needed to accommodate both a comfortable residence and a dedicated workshop for woodworking and small-business production, with practical access and circulation between the two.
• Neighborhood Compatibility
The design needed to fit naturally within the surrounding area rather than appearing as overly new or out of scale.
• Future Energy Planning
Rear-yard space needed to remain available for a possible independent solar structure, planned but not yet built.

1. Main-Floor Living & Accessibility
   • Slab-on-grade foundation eliminated crawlspace concerns
   • Wide, open circulation paths and an efficient single-level layout
   • Modest room sizes kept the home budget-conscious while still supporting long-term accessibility
2. Efficient Narrow-Lot Layout
   • Driveway placed along one side, extending past the residence to the rear workshop
   • Garage positioned at the back to prevent it from dominating the street view and to work within the narrow lot constraints
   • Window and room placement optimized to bring natural light into a long, narrow footprint
3. Integrated Workshop & Accessory Building
   • Purpose-built woodworking shop designed to match the home’s exterior character
   • Purpose-built woodworking shop designed to match the home’s exterior character
   • Rear yard preserved for a potential future solar structure
4. Outdoor Living on a Tight Lot (NEW)
   • Oversized front porch provides a generous, usable outdoor space even without expansive views
   • Side patio with a pergola located adjacent to the great room and dining areas, taking advantage of convenient access and avoiding conflict with the rear garage placement
   • Outdoor spaces arranged to maximize privacy and functionality within the slender lot constraints
5. Simple, Timeless Architectural Design
   • Clean rooflines and restrained exterior detailing to blend with neighboring homes
   • Complementary materials used for both the home and workshop
   • Complementary materials used for both the home and workshop
6. Functional Storage & Garage Configuration
   • Oversized garage designed to absorb household storage needs
   • Preserved the workshop as a dedicated workspace free from overflow

The completed design delivers a modest, comfortable, fully accessible home paired with a functional woodworking shop that supports both hobby and business needs. By respecting budget, lot constraints, and the character of the neighborhood, the project creates a practical and inviting long-term residence tailored to the clients’ next chapter