For this single-family renovation project, we lowered the basement level to create a connection to the backyard and removed an unsightly rear stair to make room for a modern balcony addition. On the lower level, we dug down to increase the ceiling height and filled it with custom millwork components to house our client’s wine library and books. The warm-hued white oak millwork flows up to the second level with a custom staircase and a built-in reading nook. The addition is clad in modern white aluminum panel siding, and the new balcony cantilevers over the glass door sliders at the lower level provide protection during rainy months.