This renovation/addition to a home within the Tahoe Donner development sought to take advantage of the wooded site to provide private sanctuary. Rearranging the interior around an elevated outdoor room, the floor plan focuses views towards the rear of the site, avoiding the site-lines to and from adjacent houses and enhancing the connection to the forest.  The owners wanted the home to feel like they were alone in the trees, despite being located in a more suburban-esque density.  The previous floor layout featured two stories, the uppermost one being a small, dark and cramped master bedroom and bathroom.  This area was reduced and the wall removed to allow for double-height ceilings in the main living areas and small loft that looks out the Great Room.  To unify the old house with new, clear cedar siding was used throughout and all the windows were replaced.