Greenlake, Seattle In-City ADU

The footprint of this Greenlake Backyard DADU is minimal at 310 square feet, leaving ample space for a yard for outdoor living. The spaces of the ADU are as open and flexible as possible with windows for natural light carefully place to maximize its effect while still providing stretches of solid wall for much needed privacy.

Budget constrains guided many of the choices for the DADU, resulting in a minimal quality that contributes to its spacious feeling. The structural slab became the finish floor with some polishing. The steel work is structural and becomes part of the finished details with some gun- bluing and wax. The stair screen is constructed of the wood studs salvaged from the little dilapidated garage that was demolished to build the DADU. The stair treads are reclaimed fir. The simply painted siding is from common cedar fence boards, but carefully crafted in alignment. As the DADU was developed, there grew an understanding that quality space is sustainable and quality materials (in minimal quantities) are sustainable. Natural light is sustainable and the small DADU is filled with light.

Builder:

Robin Cady

Structural:

Swenson Say Faget

Photography:

Michael Dickter

Award:

Seattle AIA Home of Distinction 2017

Featured in:

 Seattle Magazine September 2017 issue

Architecture is really about well-being. I think that people want to feel good in a space … On the one hand it’s about shelter, but it’s also about pleasure.

 – Zaha Hadid

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