DESIGN | BUILD: EDGE

2617 | New Construction

This detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) is one of two new new homes on an urban street-to-alley lot in the heart of Magnolia. Together, these homes increase density while also responding to the scale of the surrounding neighborhood and sloped lot. Pockets of outdoor spaces between and adjacent to the two dwellings create outdoor living rooms, each oriented to balance light and privacy. Dense, native plantings are anchored by several trees that will provide screening and shade in the summer and bright color in the fall as they mature, and a shared bioretention planter collects and filters runoff.

The DADU is sited to engage the alley, activating this urban edge with a covered entryway and raised plate steel planter. The efficient main floor houses the kitchen, living and dining area; corner sliding doors look out to a small courtyard with native plantings. Sleeping and office spaces are lifted to the second floor by a floating steel stair; vaulted ceilings and large windows let in an abundance of day light. The floor is carved away at the upper floor landing, bringing light into the dining area below and creating an dynamic sectional relationship between both floors.

photography by Nathaniel Willson