Drafting and Design
2025-BRANDYWINE, MARYLAND
A full remodel converting a two-story garage into a modern, compact one-bedroom home—reusing the existing slab and roof to create a cost-effective and fully functional living space.
Table of contents
Overview
This project is a full remodel of a former two-story garage, transformed into a compact yet complete one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence. Built on the original concrete slab and beneath the existing roof structure, the renovation preserves the footprint and vertical profile while reimagining the interior for modern living. Through strategic design, the space now supports efficient, comfortable daily life within a minimal footprint, blending practicality and simplicity with thoughtful spatial planning.
Client Type
The project was commissioned by a private client seeking to convert an underutilized garage structure into a standalone dwelling unit. Their goals focused on affordability, maximizing existing components, and achieving a fully functional home without increasing the building's size or altering its external form.
Project Scope
This remodel focused on converting a two-story garage into a self-contained residence, using the original slab and roof to guide both form and function. The redesign included:
A new open-concept layout on the ground floor with kitchen, dining, and living space
Integrated storage and utility areas to maximize functionality
An updated staircase leading to a private upper-level bedroom and full bathroom
Cost-conscious construction through structural reuse
Interior finishes and systems updated to meet modern residential standards
Challenges Addressed
The primary challenge was working within the constraints of the existing structure—retaining the slab and roof while reconfiguring the interior to function as a livable, code-compliant residence. Managing tight space, vertical transitions, and efficient circulation required precise planning. Additionally, achieving a sense of openness and comfort within a compact volume demanded creative use of layout, light, and storage.
Goals Achieved
The final design delivers a cost-effective, fully functional home that feels complete and livable despite its compact form. It achieves:
✔️ A full residential program within a previously utilitarian shell
✔️ A clear and efficient layout that supports modern living
✔️ Preservation of the original foundation and roof for reduced cost and waste
✔️ Enhanced accessibility and circulation through stair and floorplan updates
✔️ A clean, streamlined aesthetic suited to the building’s structure



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This transformation showcases how existing structures can be thoughtfully repurposed into efficient and elegant homes. By retaining the original framework, the project honors both budget and sustainability while delivering livable, modern results.
