12/17/2025
Mi Casa es Su Casa is an idea that began to take shape in late 2022 and moved into construction in February 2025. The project consists of an approximately 820 SF addition to an existing 1,550 SF home and was completed in late summer 2025.
The primary goal was to expand the home with minimal impact to the existing structure and backyard, allowing the addition to function independently without disrupting daily life, while remaining flexible enough to adapt to multiple uses over the lifespan of the inhabitants.
Raising the addition off the ground on helical piers with a steel frame foundation minimized disturbance to the existing grade and allowed for a light, deliberate connection to the house. This connection takes the form of a bridge, which becomes an extension of the existing bedroom and reinforces the sense of separation between old and new.
The lower level of the addition accommodates a living space, a small kitchenette, and storage tucked beneath the stair. The stair is positioned along the bridge side to act as a buffer from the existing bedroom and leads to the upper level, which includes a bathroom with a washer/dryer and a generous room capable of functioning as either a bedroom or workspace.
The flexibility of the addition allows it to serve aging parents, function as a private primary suite retreat, operate as a home office, or be rented independently. The latter two options were considered as potential offsets to the overall cost of the addition. Windows and views are carefully placed to balance natural light and privacy while remaining respectful of adjacent neighbors.
A modest cantilever provides shelter for a parked vehicle and doubles as a covered outdoor porch. Red corrugated metal panels wrap the structure, creating a durable exterior that complements the surrounding context while giving the addition a distinct identity.
The backyard remains largely intact and usable, now framed by a vibrant backdrop that supports future ideas, memories, and growth.
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