Noticed a lot of chatter about additional dwelling units throughout the past year? Well, it turns out, there’s a good reason for that! These structures provide a creative solution to Southern California’s housing shortage, with the added benefit of connecting directly to existing city infrastructure. In fact, according to Forbes magazine, 2020 was meant to be the year of ADUs. So, what happened?
Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, many homeowners placed their construction projects on the backburner. Now, as the city begins the process of reopening, additional dwelling units are in the spotlight once again. To help you envision the possibilities for your Los Angeles ADU, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best award-winning designs from recent competitions.
Without further ado, get ready to be inspired!
1. Contrasting Pool House
Our list begins with the winner of the Outdoor Spaces category of Remodeling.com’s 2020 Design Awards. Originally, the property owners set out to create a traditional poolside cabana, but they quickly realized that local restrictions would prevent them from achieving their desired effect. As a result, they were forced to get creative to find a modern design that offered unobstructed views of the Long Island Sound.
Today, this pool-house stands in striking contrast to the traditional style of the main residence. The open floor plan allows for ample natural sunlight, while the shade cover provides respite for hot summer days. In total, the structure measures ~580 square feet and contains a bedroom, bathroom, and an outdoor bar.
2. Minimalist & Modular Efficiency
This beautiful and modern ADU recently received a Citation Award from the Los Angeles chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Designed by the Minarc architecture firm, the unit is part of a series of ADUs that were created to fit onto nearly any single-family lot. The stylish exterior is compelling at a glance, but it becomes even more impressive when we examine the functionality of the materials. The building consists of structural insulated panels, which function as a flame retardant and eliminate wood-related deterioration from mold or termites.
At only 320 square feet, this Icelandic-inspired ADU really packs in the value! Inside the sliding glass doors, you’ll find a bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom. The space is perfect for a minimalist lifestyle, and it even comes with built-in fixtures and surfaces.
3. Classic Brick (with a Twist)
Amid the sleek and modern exteriors that have long dominated the ADU-industry, this 2019 Georgie Award-winning brick unit stands out from the rest. Measuring 925 square feet, the cottage-style home is on the larger side for an additional dwelling because the homeowners wanted to create an oasis for their extended family.
In a further departure from ADU traditions, the rear half of the unit is split into two bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. When you step into the open-plan kitchen, you’ll find the spacious interior bathed in the sunshine streaming from floor-to-ceiling windows and numerous skylights. From the barnwood floors to the marble backsplash, each of the carefully considered kitchen fixtures contributes to the sense of storybook charm.
4. Second-floor Innovation
From a distance, it would be almost too easy to overlook the groundbreaking ADU that was once named Home of the Month by the American Institute of Architects. Situated above the garage, the idea for the unit came about following changes to local zoning amendments. At the time of construction, ADUs could be no larger than 1,000 square feet, including parking areas. To make the most of the available space, the homeowners decided they would simply build up!
While the second-story unit totals only 755 square feet, it incorporates plenty of natural light and open-plan design to create a sense of spaciousness. Inside the ADU, two bedrooms are joined together by a single full bathroom. Towards the kitchen and obscured by an elegant cabinet door, renters are delighted by the unexpected luxury of the in-unit washer and dryer.
5. Multigenerational Living Goes Modern
Located in Portland, this 2018 AIA Merit Award-winning ADU offers the perfect solution for multigenerational living. The primary goal of the project was to create an accessible and spacious retirement home. Designed by architect Webster Wilson, the gabled roof echoes the design of the main house while new, modern detailing creates the feeling of freshness.
At every turn, this home was crafted for accessibility. In addition to being contained to one story, the shower and entryways are all wheelchair accessible. Every fixture, such as doorknobs and cabinet handles, was carefully selected to be usable by occupants with arthritis. Best of all, despite the numerous functional features, this additional dwelling unit never sacrifices style! The floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlook the garden and main residence, while clean white walls are offset with striking western red cedar.
The bigger the dream,
The More Important The Team!
With Regal Construction & Remodeling, it only takes a few minutes to start building your dream home! Give us a call today!
Working with Regal Construction for Additional Dwelling Units
Since 2008, we’ve been helping homeowners with their Los Angeles ADU projects. When you contact us for an estimate, we’ll start by discussing your goals. We love to help find thoughtful and creative solutions to everyday functional problems. Next, we will schedule a consultation. During your in-home consultation, we’ll assess the available space. At this stage, we’re going to help you ensure the functionality of your planned additional dwelling unit.
After we’ve designed your addition, we’ll move on to drafting an estimate. Our estimate gives you an expected cost breakdown for materials and labor. Our company was built on a foundation of trust and respect for our customers, so we don’t use any high-pressure sales tactics. We strive for excellence in every project, and customer satisfaction is our top priority.
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