Project Spotlight: The Tandem House

From Garage to Getaway: The Tandem House Story

This garage already had good bones—three bays, shop space, and a solid foundation. It needed to be more than storage: it needed heart, efficiency, and a way to welcome loved ones with comfort and intention. Not to mention, it needed to seamlessly match the historic home. An ADU that not only complements the home but brings its own unique flare with the fixtures and finishes. 

The homeowner came to us with a clear vision: to transform the upper level into a guest space that felt warm, inviting, and entirely their own. Not a bland studio. Not an afterthought. She wanted a space with soul—a true extension of her home.

Together, we reimagined the upper floor into a fully equipped ADU , complete with a cozy living room, functional kitchen, dining nook, serene bedroom, full bathroom, and a balcony perfect for sipping coffee on quiet Colorado mornings. Down below, the garage and workshop remained intact, but now, the entire structure feels cohesive—like it was always meant to be part of the home’s story.

What Makes This ADU Stand Out

This project was packed with thoughtful touches, layered stories, and a homeowner who knew exactly what mattered to her. Here's a closer look at the features that made this ADU in Boulder County one of a kind.

The Suspended Tandem Bike

Hanging from the ceiling like a piece of art, the tandem bike is more than décor—it’s a symbol of the homeowner’s shared adventures and meaningful life chapters. Suspended from a reclaimed wood beam, it adds texture, soul, and a sense of story to the space. It's a focal point that invites conversation the moment you walk through the door.

Custom Tiled Stair Risers

Each stair riser leading to the ADU is finished with a unique tile—featuring hand-selected and hand-painted pieces that Petra was honored to help bring to life. Team members, family, and friends all had the chance to create a tile for the stairs, making the journey upward feel like a walk through personal memories and shared stories. Every tile adds its own splash of color and character. These are the kinds of details homeowners fall in love with—the ones you can’t buy off the shelf and the ones that make a space truly one of a kind.

Thoughtfully Repurposed Antique Finishes

Nearly every finish in this ADU was something the homeowner had collected over the entirety of the project—with intention, patience, and an eye for character. Rather than working around standard materials, we built custom solutions to highlight these unique pieces, making sure each one felt like it truly belonged.

One standout feature is the green stained glass window, which was carefully chosen by the homeowner. Now tucked into the space, it casts a moody, filtered light that adds warmth, depth, and just a touch of magic. It’s these thoughtful, personal details that make the space feel less like a project and more like home.