This Warm and Bright Accessory Dwelling Unit Was Built to Highlight the Garden – Architectural Digest

Location: The unit is situated directly behind the primary house and accessed by a gravel alley in a historic waterfront district. Once known for its large fishing community of Scandinavian settlers, Ballard is now a hip, desirable spot to live. This neighborhood is flat, which is not a common Seattle condition, Prentis adds. Generally, the city is relatively hilly, so building a DADU in this particular section is a little more easily accomplished.

The before: Prentis tore down a rotting garage to make room for the new structure.

The inspiration: Being from the Southwest, the clients wanted a space that the sun would blaze into as much as possible and remind them of home, Prentis explains. The roofline was modified to make a large, south-facing skylight possible.

Square footage: 800 square feet

Budget: Approximately $260,000

Pine wood wall panelingcarries through to the bedroom.

A double-height bathroom with a spa-like tub provides the clients a serene spot to soak.

Main ingredients

Exterior: Nu-Ray Metals standing seam metal siding and tight knot cedar

Door: LaCantina Doors Aluminum Multi-Slide Door. It is a large line item, Prentis admits. But they will never regret investing in it because it pulls off the look they wanted.

Skylights: Fakro Center Pivot Roof Windows. Theyre very energy-efficient skylights that operate more like windows, which gives the loft more of a hangout vibe, Prentis says.

Windows: Andersen Windows & Doors E-Series with dark bronze aluminum exterior and fir interior

Flooring: Radiant concrete slab

Walls: Pine plywood panels and Sheetrock. We used the wood panels to define a lower realm and to give some scale to the high ceiling, Prentis explains. Its an eight-foot line that tracks around the room, so youre in a warm, wood living zone, and then up above you, the light flows in and bounces around the white walls.

Cabinetry: IKEA bases and custom pine plywood fronts with cutout pulls

Countertop: IKEA EKBACKEN

Biggest splurge: The form of the building is not straightforward, which inherently adds complexity and cost to a small project, Prentis reveals. Theres not an economy of scale to balance out a unique gesture.

Sneakiest save: By taking on the role of general contractor, the homeowners saved hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The best part: The overall form of the project is a strong resolution of what these clients wanted to do, so I appreciate its funky figure, says Prentis.

What Id never do again: I would employ similar moves again, Prentis reflects. Occupying the space is really enjoyable, so I have no regrets.

Final bill: Approximately $260,000

A giant sliding door unites the DADU with the clients treasured garden.

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This Warm and Bright Accessory Dwelling Unit Was Built to Highlight the Garden - Architectural Digest