An accessory dwelling unit(ADU) was created for a young couple by inserting a mezzanine bedroom and dropping the main slab to create additional living spaces. It is first of its kind solution to be passed in Arlington to get around arcane rules which do not allow for the change of an existing garage’s exterior envelope when converting it into an ADU. The space yields a two-story structure, 16’ vaulted ceilings and plenty of daylight. Screening the public portions of the façade from the street and delineating the entry door, a warm lattice of wood is used. This also helps break-up the symmetry of the existing façade without change to the envelope, while a standing seam metal roof folds into the wall to provide a clean modern aesthetic.