Architect’s homework: When you can’t build it on, build it over

Architect Todd Conversano, standing in the living room, looks toward the dining room area of the original, 1950s structure.

A detail of the “second-story” master bedroom features art and a vase of flowers.

Architect Todd Conversano on the staircase that leads to the master bedroom addition, a separate structure above the original house.

Original shelving still stands in the center of the dining and living room area on the first floor of architect Todd Conversano’s home.

Architect Todd Conversano looks into the new master bedroom on the second story.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

One of two built-in bookshelves can be found in the new master bedroom of architect Todd Conversano’s home.

A pair of vases rest on original shelving in the living room.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Architect Todd Conversano is reflected in a mirror in a new bathroom that features custom tiles.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Todd Conversano’s master bedroom addition is built upon a framework that doesn’t actually connect with the original home, other than through a staircase hidden within the aluminum siding. From outside, though, it appears to float above the house as a second story.

A side view of the home shows where the new structure rests slightly above the old structure, with the gap masked by the aluminum facade.