Alberta Arts ADU

A custom designed ADU in Portland, Oregon designed by local architect in the Alberta District. The ADU is 400 square feet, black, and has sliding glass doors. There is a large patio, string lights, and plants.

At exactly 400 SF, this Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) was originally an alley garage crammed with junk and nearly falling over. Today, as a short- or long-term rental, family guest house, summer party spot, and potential future home for the clients, it lives larger than its actual square footage.

  • Location: Portland, OR

    This ADU has a full kitchen, dining, living space, long-term storage, and it also opens up to a landscaped patio. The homeowners wanted the space to be extremely energy efficient and budget conscious.

    Using the existing footprint and a small portion of the garage to construct the new ADU enabled the homeowners to keep the structure very close to the property lines within current setback requirements. Although it ended up being a more expensive option than building completely new, this one move saved the small back yard from being fully overtaken.

    We kept the plan simple and used a slim palette of finishes to make it seem larger than it is. White walls and cabinets are punctuated by black stained-wood doors and windows, and vertical-grain Douglas fir was used for window sills, shelving, and wall base.

    We used a mix of the homeowners’ vintage door hardware and kitchen pulls with new fixtures to make it eclectic and personal.

  • DESIEGN TEAM: Hope Telford AIA

    CONTRACTOR: B.D. Mack Inc.

    PHOTOGRAPHER: Matt Swain Photography

Detail photo of a custom ADU. This showcases the storage areas.
This photo details a shelf holding Pantone coffee mugs in a ADU. Creative use of space is essential for storage.
A wide angle shot of a custom ADU. The ADU has a living room couch, bed, dining table, and full kitchen.
Another view of the sitting area in a custom ADU. The sliding glass doors are open to the patio.
A photo looking in the ADU from the sliding glass door. This photo highlights the sky light and custom light fixtures.
A family walks in the ADU. The dad appears to be cooking dinner, and a kid is walking towards him.
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