Lyons Gem
We love designing Not-so-Big houses. The first project we ever did (25 years ago) was a 1200 sf. off-grid strawbale cabin that we threw our hearts into and it unexpectedly won a slew of national awards. Right now we’re working on five little gems that are all under 1000 sf. This adorable Accessory Dwelling Unit is a backyard VRBO & guest house in downtown Lyons (routinely filled with visiting artists and musicians). It’s built on the refurbished bones of a crumbling subterranean garage capped by a derelict greenhouse. Our clients (and the town) wanted the new abode to fit in beautifully to the modest existing neighborhood, while creating a simple, charmingly rustic retreat. Its compact 500 sf. footprint relies on a very efficient and carefully thought through design, where every square inch was made to count, and everything has a place. The sunny main room exemplifies indoor/outdoor living; if features a giant retractable window over a reclaimed wood bar-top inside and out, and is snugged into a lush garden & an artistic flagstone patio area by Outdoor Craftsmen. The cozy bedroom features a built-in nook for writing, and it’s trimmed out with reclaimed barn wood and antique stained glass. The tiny home is nestled in among giant mossrock boulders, an undulating Lyon’s flagstone wall, and existing trees so that it feels like it had always been there, instantly becoming part of the fabric of historic Lyons.
Built by Skycastle Construction. Photography by Alive Studios.