project type:

Garage conversion to ADU

project location:

Bay Area, CA

project status:

Completed, 2024

project description:

The homeowner wanted to convert the existing garage into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to bring in some additional revenue for their family. The existing primary residence remains as is while the renovated garage becomes a 1-bed, 1-bath unit with its own kitchen and entry.

We located the ADU entry away from the primary residence entry to maintain privacy for both units. The new street windows on the ADU match the existing street window on the primary residence. The “hidden” ADU entry, as well as the cohesive windows maintain the residence’s continuity along the street.

The owner wanted a high end unit to appeal to nearby professionals in the tech industry. I collaborated with the owner to ensure that the unit layout felt efficient and spacious, even at under 400 square feet. The bedroom suite maintains its privacy from the rest of the unit. The inclusion of skylights - one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom - help increase natural daylight and ventilation as we were limited on window locations and sizes due to the lack of exterior walls and the goal of maintaining the privacy of the primary residence.