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A 3D architectural rendering of a contemporary multi-level garage addition connected to an existing single-family home. The addition features a gable roof with standing-seam metal roofing, a facade combining grooved wood panels and large architectural panels, and four garage doors beneath a continuous metal awning. Tall windows and modern wall sconces emphasize the upper level, while the connector links the new structure to the existing house. The scene is shown at dusk with exterior lighting highlighting the building's contemporary materials and architectural details.

Multi-Level Garage Addition with Connector, El Rancho Estates, TN

Neighborhood

El Rancho Estates

City

Murfreesboro

State

Tennessee

Zip Code

37130

Service      

Architectural Design

Property Type

Residential

Year   

2025

This project introduces a new multi-level garage addition connected to the existing single-family residence through a carefully designed two-story connector. Responding directly to the site's steep topography, the addition presents itself as a two-story volume from the street while stepping down to three levels toward the backyard. This approach minimizes the visual impact from the front while making efficient use of the site's changing grade and maximizing the usable interior space.

To strengthen the relationship between the existing house, the new garage addition, and the outdoor living spaces, a new deck was introduced at the main floor level of the connector. The deck serves as a transitional outdoor space while extending the living experience toward the backyard. An exterior stair continues from the deck, providing a clear and functional circulation route between the different site levels and improving accessibility throughout the property.

The architectural expression of the addition was developed through a layered material composition consisting of grooved wood panels, board-and-batten siding, and Hardie architectural panels. This combination introduces texture and visual depth while helping to reduce the perceived scale of the large garage volume. The material palette is complemented by a standing-seam metal roof, creating a cohesive and contemporary appearance that integrates the new construction with the existing residence.

Large glazed openings throughout the connector and upper level maximize natural daylight within the interior while establishing strong visual connections to the surrounding landscape. To further define the front elevation, a metal awning was introduced above the four garage doors, creating a welcoming point of arrival and adding architectural emphasis to the primary facade. Carefully integrated exterior lighting complements these elements, giving the addition a distinctive identity while maintaining a balanced relationship with the existing home.

Tags:

Glass, Steel, Contemporary, Accessory Dwelling Unit, Board & Batten, Modernism

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Frequently Asked Questions

What was the goal of this project?

The goal of this project was to expand the existing home with a multi-level garage addition that responds to the site's changing grade while maintaining a strong connection to the main house. We connected the two structures through a two-story connector and a new deck, improving circulation between the home, the garage, and the backyard. The design balances functionality with a contemporary architectural language that complements the scale and character of the existing residence.

How did you approach the design process?

The design process focused on responding to the site's changing grade while creating a clear relationship between the existing home and the new garage addition. We introduced a two-story connector and a new deck to improve circulation between the buildings and provide direct access to the backyard. The exterior was developed using a combination of grooved wood panels, board-and-batten siding, and Hardie architectural panels, while large windows and a metal awning helped define the building's contemporary character.

What challenges did you face?

One of the main challenges was designing a large garage addition that responds to the site's steep grade while remaining compatible with the existing home. The changing elevations required careful planning of the building's massing, circulation, and access between the garage, the main house, and the backyard. Another challenge was giving the addition its own architectural identity without overwhelming the original residence, which we addressed through a balanced combination of materials, generous glazing, and carefully proportioned exterior elements.

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