In this Oxford Square Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), I collaborated with Office 42 Architecture to transform a 408 square foot garage behind the main house into 521 square feet of additional space for guests, family, neighborhood football parties, and a multitude of playdates.

The trick here was to maximize everything, from square footage to budget. As the lead on the ADU, my emphasis was on effective design to accommodate not only the living space pictured here, but also a huge amount of hidden storage, plus a workroom.

To enhance a sense of soaring space inside, we brought in natural light and airiness through every possible pore: a skylight, transom, windows, Dutch door, and large sliding glass doors onto the backyard playscape. We also chose to keep the roof framing open, creating a fun and funky geometry.

Office42 led the charge for the outdoor decking and hardscape plans, which literally brought everything we wanted for this home full circle. We designed an outdoor kitchen, seating platform around an existing tree, and easy pathways between all. Family, pets, children on tricycles, and parties can now revolve from the main house to the outdoor kitchen and seating, through the ADU space, to the backyard playscape, and back again to the deck.

The whole backyard has transformed into a livable environment, utilizing every inch of space, inside and out.