Challenge: There were a number of challenges embedded in this renovation: there was no owner’s unit; the foundation was in disrepair; there was only one washer/dryer in an unfinished basement, and the ceiling height was less than six feet.

Solution: While excavating the foundation, we created a new master suite complete with a library, bedroom, bathroom and storage. We took advantage of the fact that the house was built into a hill by building a naturally-refrigerating wine cellar as well as installing a HVAC system to circulate air from the partially below ground master suite — cooling the entire first floor. The new foundation work allowed all tenants to easily access the laundry room as well as a new entrance from the garage to the master suite.