A Sunroom Remodel in Madison WI

A freezing porch and an old home with a few challenges

What began as a cold, drafty enclosed porch is now one of the homeowners’ favorite rooms. A bright, energy-efficient sunroom with a beautifully integrated first-floor bathroom. For this Madison family, the transformation meant not just a new space, but a better way to live in their home every day.

Like many older Madison homes, this one had charm and character, but also its share of challenges.

The main level had no bathroom, forcing frequent trips upstairs and creating inconvenience for the homeowners and their guests. The enclosed porch, once a fully outdoor porch, had been poorly converted years ago. It was dark, uninsulated, and either freezing in the winter or sweltering in the summer. Because the porch connected directly to the living room, it made both spaces uncomfortable and drove up energy bills.

The homeowners wanted to stay in their home long-term, but they knew these issues needed to be addressed to make daily life more comfortable and sustainable.

Our Process: From Design to Completion

Our design-build team guided the homeowners through every step, from exploring layout options to selecting finishes that would make the new space feel cohesive with the rest of the home.

Because the existing porch had been enclosed without proper insulation or flooring systems, the project required careful engineering and craftsmanship to rebuild the space safely and efficiently.

Solving the Structural Obstacles

We stripped the porch down to its framing and rebuilt it to perform like an interior room should. We added new insulated walls over the existing brick for a continuous thermal envelope, and installed new millwork to brighten the space and blend with the millwork that already existed in the home

These improvements not only made the new sunroom comfortable year-round but also improved the temperature balance in the living room, saving the homeowners money on utility bills.

Creating the First-Floor Bathroom

One of the biggest design goals was to add a first-floor bathroom without disrupting the home’s flow.

By integrating the powder room within the new sunroom, the homeowners gained:

  • A private, easy-to-access bathroom for daily use and guests
  • A layout that could later accommodate a first-floor bedroom suite if mobility needs change

We used a wall-hung toilet to save space and simplify cleaning, a pocket door to avoid crowding, and extended the same quartz countertop and trim details into both rooms for visual continuity.

Lighting and storage were both carefully considered: side sconces for flattering light, and a recessed mirrored cabinet for discreet storage, all within a compact footprint.

A Bright, Comfortable Sunroom

The homeowners wanted this space to feel connected to nature and full of light. We designed the sunroom to mirror the home’s character while feeling fresh and new:

  • Large casement windows frame views of the yard and flood the space with natural light
  • We replicated other design elements in the home with white millwork and wainscoting
  • A herringbone floor pattern adds texture and timeless style

Lighting for Function and Atmosphere

We help our clients navigate every detail of their project, and this includes lighting considerations.

  • We added a Solatube to bring in daylight and double as a soft nightlight after dark
  • Layered lighting allows the space to adapt to any use—morning coffee, afternoon reading, or evening relaxation.

The Result: Comfort and Convenience Every Day

What was once an uncomfortable, energy-wasting porch is now a cozy retreat the homeowners can enjoy year-round.

They gained the convenience of a first-floor bathroom, the beauty of a sunroom filled with natural light, and the peace of mind that comes with improved energy efficiency and craftsmanship built to last.
Today, this space serves as both a favorite reading nook and a welcoming place for guests - a perfect example of how thoughtful design and expert construction can completely transform the way you live in your home.

The old porch had ice forming on its walls in the winter. Because the porch connected directly to the living room, it made both spaces uncomfortable and drove up energy bills.

The homeowners wanted this space to feel connected to nature and full of light. We designed the sunroom to mirror the home’s character while feeling fresh and new: