When Nicole and Eric first dreamed of adding onto their home, they envisioned more than just extra square footage — they wanted to create a peaceful, welcoming space for movement, mindfulness, and community. The couple imagined a cozy, light-filled studio where they could practice yoga, host breathwork sessions, and gather with friends — a space that also served as the home base for Nicole’s business, The Breath and Balance.
“We were looking for someone to build us a very cozy room,” Nicole explained. “We wanted a place for breathwork, yoga, and carefree movement — a studio that felt separate from our main living space but connected to our home in spirit.”
Their vision centered on a 16 x 24 addition attached to the existing garage, complete with an open studio and a small bathroom. High-quality insulation and energy efficiency were top priorities, as was staying within a reasonable budget. With only sketches and drawings in hand, Nicole and Eric needed a builder who could help finalize the design, manage the construction, and allow them to handle the interior finishing themselves.
Finding the Right Fit
The couple had worked with Building Energy in the past to install solar panels on their home, so when they began discussing their new project,
“Someone mentioned that Building Energy does a great job working with the envelope. Once I reached out, I realized they could do everything we were looking for — and they were happy to collaborate so we could finish the interior ourselves.”
Bringing the Vision to Life
Building Energy provided final design and project management, along with:
- Construction of three walls to adjoin the new addition to the garage
- Insulation and air sealing
- Heating, cooling, and ventilation
- Exterior finishing
- Electrical, plumbing, site excavation and concrete slab work, were contracted out by the folks at Building Energy so that Nicole and Eric could continue to enjoy the convenience of only working with one company.
The result was what Nicole and Eric call “a beautifully efficient and thoughtfully designed addition that checked all the boxes — comfort, functionality, and energy performance.”
A Smooth and Satisfying Experience
Today, the new studio is everything Nicole and Eric hoped it would be. Nicole now welcomes clients for private sessions and small classes in The Breath and Balance studio, while she and Eric enjoy using the space for their own yoga practice. “The space works great,” Nicole shared. “It feels separate from our home but deeply connected to how we live. We even plan to add a projector someday for cozy, floor-based movie nights.”
Reflecting on the process, Nicole and Eric described their experience with Building Energy as easy and professional from start to finish.
“Bryan answered all our questions and guided us through the process,” Nicole said. “Everyone who worked on the project was pleasant, professional, and cleaned up at the end of each day. The project came in at the original estimated cost — and we have exactly what we hoped and planned for.”
If you’re seeking an exceptional yoga or breathwork experience, we highly recommend The Breath and Balance. Tell them Building Energy sent you!