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Pewaukee Conservatory Addition
Project Details

Project Year: 2016

Location: Pewaukee

Features:

  • 670 square foot conservatory addition designed for daily living and entertaining
  • Expansive windows positioned to capture natural light while maintaining comfort throughout the day
  • Direct connection to the dining room through a newly created cased opening
  • Large patio extension that expands the entertaining space outdoors
  • Five-piece crown system concealing automatic shades and integrated lighting
  • VELUX solar-powered skylights with rain sensors and integrated blinds

A Space Designed for Gathering and Light

The backyard had always been there, but it wasn’t fully part of how the home was lived in. The homeowners envisioned a space where natural light could be enjoyed without becoming overwhelming, especially with southern and western exposure.

They also wanted a place that could bring people together. A room centered around a card table for weekly gatherings, yet flexible enough for quiet mornings and everyday living. By opening the dining room wall, the conservatory now feels connected while offering a distinct, inviting place to gather.

Expanding Function Beyond the Existing Footprint

What was once an underused rear area has become one of the most lived-in spaces in the home. The addition brings 670 square feet of purposeful living space, designed to support both daily routines and larger moments of entertaining.

Just beyond it, a new patio extends that experience outdoors, creating a natural flow between interior and exterior living. A carefully designed transition between the original structure and the addition allowed existing second-floor windows to remain, while managing water and snow with precision.

A Bright Contrast to a Traditional Home

The original English Tudor home is defined by rich wood tones and a more enclosed atmosphere. The new conservatory introduces a different experience, one that feels open, light-filled, and connected to the surrounding landscape.

Expansive windows and a softer palette invite natural light to move through the space, creating a sense of openness that extends toward the backyard. Rather than competing with the existing architecture, the addition complements it, offering contrast while still feeling intentional and cohesive.

Craftsmanship and Innovation Behind the Design

While the space feels effortless, its execution required careful planning and technical precision. A five-piece crown system conceals automatic shades and integrated lighting, allowing the design to remain clean and uninterrupted.

Custom ceiling detailing hides the fastening system, creating a consistent bead-edge finish across beams and trim. Behind the scenes, structural reinforcements and complex roof transitions ensure long-term performance, supporting both the design and the way the space is lived in.

From Start to Finish

Before

Before

  • A beautiful backyard that felt open, but largely disconnected from how the home was used.
  • The potential of the landscape was there, but it wasn’t fully experienced from within the home.
  • A new feature wall with stained horizontal shiplap adds warmth and visual interest, defining the main gathering space.
After

After

  • A new conservatory anchors the backyard, creating a seamless connection between indoor living and outdoor space.
  • Expansive windows frame the landscape and invite natural light deep into the home.
  • A thoughtfully designed patio extends the living area, supporting both everyday use and larger gatherings.
  • The addition introduces a sense of presence and purpose, transforming the backyard into a destination.
Before

Before

  • An expansive, well-landscaped yard with clear potential for additional living space.
  • The rear elevation lacked a defined connection between the home and the outdoors.
  • No architectural element that invited views outward or extended daily living beyond the interior.
After

After

  • LP SThe conservatory introduces a distinct architectural presence while remaining respectful of the existing home.martSide siding provides a durable exterior finish that is color matched to complement the existing cedar siding of the home.
  • A standing seam metal roof complements the original clay tile, creating a balanced and cohesive transition.
  • Expansive windows open the home to long views of the property, bringing in light and a stronger connection to the landscape.
  • A carefully designed transition allows the original structure to remain intact while seamlessly integrating the new addition.

After

  • Walls of windows and a vaulted ceiling with a 360 degree clerestory draw natural light deep into the space, creating a bright and open atmosphere throughout the day.
  • The layered ceiling design adds architectural depth while enhancing airflow and comfort with integrated air movement.
  • The herringbone tile floor introduces subtle movement and texture, grounding the openness with warmth and visual interest.
  • A painted tongue and groove ceiling keeps the space light and airy, offering a fresh contrast to the darker tones of the original Tudor home.
  • The room becomes a natural gathering place, designed to bring people together, where light, space, and comfort shape the experience.
After
After

After

  • A thoughtfully designed passage frames the view into the adjacent living space, reinforcing a sense of continuity throughout the home.
  • Interior paneling and trim details echo the home’s original architecture, bringing cohesion while elevating the overall character.
  • The space feels both distinct and connected, allowing the addition to stand on its own while remaining fully integrated into daily living.
After
After

After

  • Solar-powered skylights introduce fresh air and natural light from above, creating a space that feels bright, balanced, and comfortable throughout the day.
  • Integrated blinds allow light to be softened and controlled, adapting the space to different times and uses.
  • Decorative rafters, beams, and trim add depth and character, bringing a refined architectural presence to the ceiling.
  • Recessed lighting complements the natural light, allowing the space to transition effortlessly into a warm and inviting setting in the evening.
A charming Tudor-style house with a spacious patio, surrounded by autumn foliage. Elegant outdoor seating complements the scenic, tranquil setting.
After

After

  • Custom wainscoting was thoughtfully designed to conceal radiant heating and integrated speakers, allowing performance features to remain completely hidden within the architecture.
  • Radiant in-floor heating creates a consistent, comfortable environment, enhancing the experience of the space without visual interruption.
  • The existing masonry wall was carefully retained and restored, adding texture and a sense of history within the new transitional space.

After

  • A restored chandelier, originally discovered on a European trip and preserved for years, now takes center stage, bringing personal history and character into the space.
  • Vertical sconces provide soft perimeter lighting, complementing the chandelier and creating a warm, layered glow throughout the space.
  • Together, these lighting elements balance function and sentiment, adding depth, warmth, and a sense of story to the overall design.
After
Ready to Rethink what an addition can be?
Outcome & Client Impact

What was once an underused backyard is now a space that naturally draws people in. The conservatory has become part of the homeowner’s daily rhythm, from quiet mornings filled with light to evenings spent gathered around the table with friends.

With a seamless connection to both the home and the outdoors, the space feels open, comfortable, and easy to use throughout the year. It’s no longer just an addition; it’s a place that supports how the home is lived in every day.

Pewaukee Conservatory Addition | SJ Janis
A charming house features a bright sunroom with large windows and a metal roof, surrounded by lush green lawn and trees.
A charming Tudor-style house with a spacious patio, surrounded by autumn foliage. Elegant outdoor seating complements the scenic, tranquil setting.
Elegant house with a modern sunroom, surrounded by a spacious patio with chairs, greenery, and a backdrop of autumn trees under a cloudy sky.
Bright sunroom with vaulted ceiling, chandelier, and fan. Large windows overlook lush garden. Elegant table setting with flowers, surrounded by comfortable chairs and plants.
Spacious living room with vaulted ceiling, blue sectional sofa, large windows, elegant furniture, an aquarium, and a cozy seating area. Bright and inviting.
Elegant ceiling with skylights, wooden beams, and a large fan. A chandelier hangs beneath, enhancing the spacious and well-lit interior ambiance.
A spacious sunroom with large windows, cozy seating, lush plants, and a chandelier. It's elegantly furnished, creating a bright, inviting atmosphere.

Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.

S.J. Janis Company stands ready to bring your vision to life with unparalleled expertise and a commitment to excellence. Contact us today to discover how we can turn your dream home into your real home.
Pewaukee Conservatory Addition | SJ Janis

Dream Big. We’ll Handle the Rest.