This 30-Square-Foot Addition Makes Room For a Japanese Soaking Tub

When a family of four outgrew their cozy cottage in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge neighborhood, they wrestled with their need for more space. Agonizing over possible next steps, they considered relocating to a larger home, adding a third story to the existing cottage, or leveling the house and starting over. Engaging Seattle-based Best Practice Architecture to weigh the options, they ultimately decided to remain in the home they loved and undertake a modest expansion—of only 30 square feet—to meet their family’s needs. "They didn’t need more space, just better space," says architect Kip Katich, Partner at Best Practice Architecture.

Behind its gambrel roof and recessed front porch, the 1907 cottage brimmed with charm, but lacked a cohesive flow. In dire need of cosmetic updating and a more functional floor plan, the Best Practice team set their sights on a complete reorganization of the main living level. The first step was taking down the interior walls to open up the space, and lifting the dropped ceiling to restore the gracious proportions of the original cottage.