Whether fueled by a quiet revolution in contemporary lifestyles and modern design preferences or by rising real estate prices and a shortage of affordable rental units, the widespread interest in our recent stories on prefabs and tiny houses points to a growing interest in alternative housing solutions in Sonoma County.

Studio Shed 1

The next phase in the prefab evolution: combine customizable modular units to best suit your needs and your budget. (Photo Courtesy of Studio Shed)

Some past readers of the Real Sonoma blog have exhibited concerns that, while both prefabs and tiny homes are continually lauded as affordable alternatives to traditional homes, factory-built structures have some distance to travel to become both financially accessible and practical alternatives for many in Sonoma County. A solution to these challenges may lie in the inherent flexibility of the modular concept: the ability to add modules, to go larger or smaller as your budget allows.

Trending in Sonoma County: Add a modular unit to an existing property for additional living space. (Photo Courtesy of Studio Shed)

Trending in Sonoma County: Add a modular unit to an existing property for additional living space. (Photo Courtesy of Studio Shed)

Colorado based Studio Shed is adept at combining small customizable modules into single integral structures. The firm collaborates with local developers and construction companies to combine modular units into single family homes designed with efficiency and performance in mind while using the highest quality materials to create spaces that perform to residential standards and codes.

Mueller Road 1

Prefab company Studio Shed works with developers and general contractors to combine small customizable modules into single family homes that meet residential standards and codes. (Photo Courtesy of Tammra Borrall & Sheela Hodes, Pacific Union)

Whether put to use as artist studios and offices or single family homes and additional living spaces for children or grandparents, modular construction continues to grow in popularity in the county. Sonoma County based custom and home remodel experts Character Builders currently install Studio Shed units throughout the county. The company’s recent projects include a newly constructed wine country home in Graton.

Mueller Road 2

A contemporary wine country Studio Shed home designed by Neill Kramer. Constructed by Sonoma County based Character Builders. (Photo Courtesy of Tammra Borrall & Sheela Hodes, Pacific Union)

Completed in 2016, this contemporary Neill Kramer designed home on Mueller Road West is listed for $875,000. While the price tag may be high for the average house hunter, the creative process behind the construction of this innovative home is a window into modular possibilities: the variety of ways to work with modular structures to accommodate different needs and a variety of budgets.

Studio Shed 3

Built around a stone courtyard, the combination of three separate wings offers a marriage of function and minimalist aesthetics: the central module becomes a modern kitchen, eating and living areas, while the two smaller wings function as suites.

Studio Shed 4

Studio Shed 5

Studio Shed 6

Working together with Studio Shed and Character Builders, Mr. Kramer employed open breezeways to connect three modular units into a creative 1,632 square feet residence. Built around a stone courtyard, the combination of three separate wings offers a marriage of function and minimalist aesthetics: the central module becomes a modern kitchen, eating and living areas, while the two smaller wings function as suites – versatile spaces that can be used as bedrooms, offices or family rooms.

Upon viewing the property, it becomes readily apparent that the sleek, modern minimalist design left plenty of opportunity for the new owner to take command – to go about making a very personal imprint on the home. Using Studio Shed’s units as exteriors, Mr. Kramer customized the exteriors and arranged the interior layout according to his own vision. The abundance of natural light, clean lines, and high ceilings affords the new owner a fresh canvas with which to paint his or her very own modular masterpiece.

3222 Mueller Road is listed by Tammra Borrall & Sheela Hodes, Pacific Union.

Studio Shed 7

Studio Shed 9