Nestled in the heart of Richmond’s Fan neighborhood, this urban townhouse was transformed through a vertical expansion that adds livable space without altering its compact footprint. The design introduces a full third floor and a generous roof terrace — a light-filled extension of the home that takes advantage of long views and Richmond’s canopy of trees.

The new top level sits comfortably within the historic streetscape: a modern volume tucked beside a historically-appropriate mansard roof, with materials and proportions chosen to complement the original architecture. Inside, an operable glass wall dissolves the boundary between interior living and the open-air terrace, creating a space that feels serene, airy, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

At ground level, the backyard was reconceived as a small, usable outdoor room. Custom fencing, playful paving patterns, and built-in seating turn a tight city lot into a private retreat for morning coffee, kids’ chalk drawings, or evenings with friends.

Across all three levels, the renovation brings together old and new — respecting the home’s heritage while giving a growing family space that functions effortlessly for the way they live today.