Altadena

Originally built in 1930 for $1500 (so the records say), this extra large garage promised a nice shell for a much needed extra dwelling.  Creative mom power team of MFA and Jen West for the architecture + the owner for the interior design = a fresh space with elements emulating the main house.  Improvements like excavating the soil against the north wall keep moisture out of the building and provide a private-ish patio for the tenant. Solar panels, a heat pump water heater, a mini split, and an electric burner bring the building to this century’s power needs.  Specifically placed windows and doors frame views of  the established foliage and track the sun throughout the day.