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A 3D architectural rendering of a white farmhouse-style single-family home featuring a newly added second story with a central gable roof. The exterior is finished with horizontal white siding, matching gable rooflines, and multi-pane windows that maintain the home's traditional character. A pair of French doors opens to the backyard between two projecting volumes, while a person walks across the lawn in front of the house under a bright, partly cloudy sky surrounded by trees.

Second-Story Addition and Attic Renovation, Sylvan Park, Tennessee

Neighborhood

Sylvan Park

City

Nashville

State

Tennessee

Zip Code

37209

Service      

Architectural Design

Property Type

Residential

Year   

2025

For this project, we reimagined the upper level of an existing single-family home to better accommodate the client's evolving needs. The original attic contained a small bedroom and closet with limited headroom, making it impossible to fit the additional spaces the client wanted within the existing roof volume.

To create the required space, we added a second story above an existing single-story volume at the rear of the house. We designed the new gable roof to match the pitch of the existing roof, creating a natural connection with the home's original rooflines. Since the new floor required additional ceiling height, the roof had to be raised and became visible from the front. We carefully developed the facade and cladding to ensure the addition feels consistent with the original architecture rather than appearing as a later extension.

The new upper level includes a spacious primary bedroom, a closet, and a bathroom, while we repurposed the existing attic as a home office and playroom. One of the key planning considerations was locating the bathroom away from the kitchen below, allowing the new layout to work efficiently within the home's existing structure.

Overall, our approach focused on expanding the living space while preserving the character of the house. By extending the upper level and aligning the new roof plane with the existing architecture, we created an addition that feels cohesive, functional, and true to the home's original design.

Tags:

Minimalism, Contextual, Architectural Shingles, Composite Siding

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Frequently Asked Questions

What was the goal of this project?

The goal of this project was to create a more functional upper level by expanding the existing attic space to accommodate the client's needs. A new second story was added above an existing single-story volume, allowing for a larger primary bedroom, closet, and bathroom while preserving the original attic for a home office and playroom. The addition was designed to blend seamlessly with the existing house, making it feel like a natural part of the original architecture.

How did you approach the design process?

The design process focused on finding a way to expand the upper level without disrupting the character of the existing home. By adding a second story above an existing single-story volume, we created the additional headroom needed for the primary bedroom and bathroom, while repurposing the original attic as a home office and playroom. The new roof was designed to match the existing roof pitch and forms, helping the addition feel like it had always been part of the house.

What challenges did you face?

One of the main challenges was creating enough headroom for the new upper level while keeping the addition consistent with the existing house. Raising the new roof made it visible from the front, so its proportions, roof pitch, and exterior materials were carefully designed to blend with the original architecture. Another key challenge was planning the new bathroom so it wouldn't be located above the kitchen below, requiring careful coordination of the floor plan and plumbing layout.

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