What was once an unremarkable backyard garage in Seattle has quietly been transformed into something far more thoughtful. Seattle-based Best Practice Architecture have taken the familiar structure and reworked it into a lofty, light-filled living space that feels calm, modern, and surprisingly generous for its size.
Before the renovation, the building was exactly what you would expect. A standard garage sitting at the edge of the yard, practical but uninspiring. It is that simplicity that made it such a strong candidate for reinvention rather than demolition.
Now known as the Granny Pad, the 571 square foot detached dwelling was designed as a safe, comfortable home for an ageing family member. The goal was not just accessibility, but dignity, privacy, and independence. From the outside, the transformation is immediate. Tight knot vertical cedar siding finished in a black stain gives the small structure a sharp, architectural presence that feels intentional rather than secondary.
A bright pink front door offers a playful contrast and signals that this is no ordinary outbuilding. Step inside and the space opens up into an airy open plan interior that immediately feels larger than its footprint.
The interior palette is restrained and practical. Custom plywood panel walls add warmth and texture, while polished concrete floors ground the space and make it easy to maintain. Along one wall, the kitchen takes full advantage of a window overlooking the backyard, bringing in natural light and a sense of connection to the outdoors. A skylight above adds even more daylight, ensuring the space never feels enclosed.
At the end of the kitchen, the layout flows naturally into the living area. Here, the high pitched ceiling becomes a defining feature. White rafters have been left exposed, drawing the eye upward and giving the room a sense of height that belies its compact size.
Further into the Granny Pad, the bedroom is subtly tucked away behind a wood dresser. This simple division maintains openness while still creating a sense of separation and privacy for sleeping.
Also located on the main floor is a well-appointed bathroom complete with a walk-in shower and a washer and dryer. Everything needed for day-to-day living is contained on one level, supporting ease of movement and long-term comfort.
Above the bathroom sits a lofted space accessed by a ladder. For now, it functions as storage, but the design intentionally allows for change. In the future, it could easily become a small office or an additional sleeping loft, adapting as needs evolve.
The floor plan reveals just how carefully considered the layout is. Every square foot has been planned to serve both present and future uses, whether as a home for an elderly relative, a rental, a studio, or even a downsized living option for the homeowners themselves.
The Granny Pad stands as a thoughtful example of how existing structures can be reimagined to support family life across generations.
Photography by Ed Sozinho | Architects: Best Practice Architecture | Contractor: Kable Design Build
