Elevated Modernism:
The Garage Reimagined

Morrisville, VT

Design, Construction and Project Management:
Understory Design Build

Interior Design and furnishings:
Teri Maher Interiors

Architectural Consultant:
Great Blue Heron Architects

Landscape Design:
Knauff Landscape Architecture

Landscaping:
Church Hill Landscapes

Photography:
Ryan Bent

There is a profound art in seeing the extraordinary potential within an ordinary structure. For this project, Understory Design Build undertook the ambitious task of transforming a standard garage into an unimaginably beautiful, high-class guest house that defines modern, elevated living.

The vision for this retreat was one of sophisticated creativity, blending contemporary style with a warm, inviting palette. Every square inch was reconsidered to move beyond the original footprint, creating a space that feels both expansive and intimately curated.

Architectural Evolution and Refined Design

The transformation began with a significant structural upgrade. By bumping out a strategic addition and elevating the roofline, we created the necessary volume for a lofted guest sleeping area, fundamentally changing the scale and feel of the building.

While the project’s initial conceptual direction was established by Great Blue Heron Architects, Understory Design Build stepped in to refine the vision and shepherd the design through to its stunning completion. This collaborative evolution ensured that the initial inspiration was met with the technical precision and design-build expertise required for such a high-caliber finish.

Interior Artistry: In collaboration with Teri Maher Interiors, the interior design features a sophisticated blend of high-end fixtures and bespoke finishes that radiate "elevated style".
The Living Space: The heart of the guest house features a hand-plastered accent wall anchored by a modern gas fireplace, providing a cozy yet minimalist focal point for the living area.
Bespoke Craftsmanship: Thoughtfully designed built-ins and a custom handrail by Flywheel add a layer of functional art to the transition between the two sleeping areas.
The Spa Retreat: The elegant bathroom is a masterclass in texture, featuring handcrafted tiles and a deep soaking tub designed for ultimate relaxation.
Leisure Re-envisioned: Even the game room, complete with a ping-pong table, maintains the project's high-design ethos, proving that play and style are not mutually exclusive.

Seamless Integration and Outdoor Living

A core goal of this project was dissolving the boundary between the guest house and the main residence. Understory updated the primary home’s decks and railings, integrating a new hot tub to create a premier gathering spot designed specifically to take in the property's sweeping vista views.

The landscape design by Knauff Landscape Architecture, expertly executed by Church Hill Landscapes, serves as the connective tissue for the entire estate. By blending organic bluestones with modern architectural pavers, the hardscape creates a cohesive flow that feels both grounded and contemporary.

Cohesive Transitions: Large-format modern pavers transition into natural stone paths, elegantly tying the two structures together.
Year-Round Vibrancy: Thoughtful garden beds and naturalistic plantings provide a shifting palette of color across every season.
Defined Topography: Sophisticated retaining walls and curated plantings frame the new outdoor living spaces, enhancing the property’s natural beauty while providing functional, high-end recreational areas.

A Seamless Synergy

Executing a project of this sophistication requires a delicate balance of architectural bravery and interior finesse. By integrating the structural work of Understory Design Build with the curated eye of Teri Maher Interiors, we have delivered a guest house that stands as a testament to what is possible when creative design-build meets high-end interior design.

"This wasn't just a renovation; it was an architectural metamorphosis. We took a utilitarian structure and, through a series of elevated design choices and precision builds, turned it into a contemporary sanctuary that feels both world-class and deeply personal."