THINKING: construction housing projects
Building an ADU in California?
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) continue to remain a hot topic of conversation in California as communities throughout the state search for ways to increase housing supplies in areas with high demand. Also known as in-law units or granny flats, this type of housing often involves adding backyard cottages or converting garages in single-family neighborhoods, giving owners the flexibility of additional space or supplemental income. It can also involve adding detached units to lots with multifamily buildings, or even building multiple units in existing garages.
An early advocate for accessory dwelling units, we at OpenScope remain at the forefront of the ADU movement. In 2014, we worked with the San Francisco Planning Department to develop its pioneering Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook. We’ve since designed dozens of ADUs and continue to consult on new ADU programs and prototypes across the Bay Area and beyond.
Even with all of the updates in legislation throughout California, building an ADU on your property can be a time consuming and expensive process.
At OpenScope Studio, we spent the last year designing and engineering several different ADU prototypes to streamline the process of adding an ADU to your property. By simplifying the process, we are making building ADUs quicker to build and more economical. Instead of spending valuable time and money on the process, we expedited this so these valuable resources are invested in the final product–your ADU.
Quality Materials
Our ADUs embody a warm and modern design aesthetic with a sophisticated, neutral finish palette and bright, daylit spaces to make them feel both comfortable and homey.
All of our ADU models include the standard materials package, stylish yet durable, but can also be upgraded to more deluxe finishes.
The abundance of daylight brings in warm, natural light throughout the open floor plan.
Spacious Floor Plans
We carefully crafted the layout of the ADUs to accentuate the minimalist design aesthetic and flow within the space. The layout emphasizes efficiency, comfort and flexibility allowing you the opportunity to make the most of your ADU.
Indoor-Outdoor Connection
Along with the abundance of natural light, our ADUs also incorporate the surrounding outdoor space increasing the livable area. With access from either the living room or bedroom, the deck provides ample outdoor space for relaxing and recharging.
What are your options for adding an ADU to your property?
We designed several different prototype ADUs at varying sizes to fit your needs and property:
Studio
Our studio model is a 400 square foot compact cottage with a spacious studio bedroom, full bathroom, kitchen and laundry nook. It provides an efficient living space isolated from the kitchen. The bathroom is configured to accommodate grab bars at the toilet and shower to improve access for seniors or residents with disabilities. Flexible cabinetry options add counter space, a built-in desk, or expanded storage depending on your needs.
One-Bedroom
Our one-bedroom models range in size from 575 to 745 square feet and provide the perfect space for long-term tenants or aging parents.
The rectangular one-bedroom unit provides a large open living space and kitchen with the option of leaving the kitchen completely open, installing flexible storage units, or adding a kitchen island. The unit takes advantage of a shared plumbing wall between the kitchen and bathroom to streamline plumbing installation.
The square one-bedroom plan offers a full-size kitchen with opportunities for more storage. Although many bathroom configurations are possible, the one illustrated to the below accommodates grab bars at a toilet and shower to improve accessibility for seniors or residents with disabilities.
Two-Bedroom
Our two-bedroom unit uses the same basic floor plan as the one-bedroom options, and adds a second bedroom with access to the front deck. The owner has the option of separating the kitchen with a room divider, a storage unit or a kitchen island.
Comfortable, yet efficient, our most spacious model is an ideal space for a growing family or a resident who needs a dedicated home office.
Every inch of these units has been thoughtfully designed and planned to maximize the most of the space available as well as your comfort.
From layout to material selection, we made design decisions to increase comfort, style, and durability that are also cost-conscious. Adding additional space to your property doesn’t have to be stressful and we’re here to help you create an inviting, comfortable space that you love.
Interested in building an ADU in San Francisco or Los Angeles or learning more about our ADU models? Click here for more information or to discuss your potential project.