Rebecca Rudolph and Colin Thompson have proven that when it comes to meeting evolving space needs, moving doesn’t have to be the only option. The couple, both architects, have transformed their 500-square-foot shack of a house in Atwater Village, Los Angeles, into a constantly evolving home that has grown and shifted shape over the past 24 years.
When they first bought the house in 2000 for $137,500, it was in rough shape with an eviction notice on the front door and broken furniture on the lawn. Despite the challenges, they saw the potential and decided to renovate the house themselves on a shoestring budget. They gutted the house down to the studs, removed piles of rat droppings, and started fresh with new windows, wood flooring made from sliced plywood, and an Ikea kitchen.
As their family grew with the addition of their two sons, Gallows and Nick, they continued to expand and renovate their home. They added a 650-square-foot addition that included a second bedroom, a second bathroom, and a proper living room. When it was time for another expansion, they replaced the original house with a new two-story, 1,200-square-foot structure, adding a generous dining room, a kitchen with an island faced in decorative concrete panels, and two bedrooms for their sons.
Despite the challenges and hard work involved in the renovations, the couple can’t seem to stop themselves from doing more. They have since added a pool and worked on the landscape, constantly changing and improving their home. While they considered adding another room upstairs for the kids, they ultimately decided they didn’t need it and are now content with their home as it is.
Their story serves as an inspiration for homeowners looking to meet their changing space needs without having to go through the hassle of moving. With creativity, hard work, and a vision for the future, it’s possible to transform a humble shack into a dream home that evolves with your family.
