Local studio Byben has created an accessory living unit called the Offset ADU in Southern California. The unit features an ipe wood cladding and curved elements that “soften the feel and look” of the building.
The project is located in the backyard of a family home in the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles. Designed for a couple with two young children who want more living space and space to entertain guests.
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) replace one-car garages that served double duty as home offices and car and bike storage.
The client debated whether to replace the garage with a standalone ADU or add on to the home.
“We convinced them that an ADU was the best route, because while it allows you to define the size and helps you manage your budget, adding on to a home can quickly get out of hand,” Byben founder Ben Werwas told Dezeen.
To make way for the ADU, the garage was partially demolished, leaving the foundation and two walls in place.
Utilizing these existing elements, Biben created an 890-square-foot (83-square-meter) two-story home with design elements that work well with the site’s constraints.
In plan, the building is roughly rectangular, with large sections carved out to form setbacks and openings. The upper level cantilevers over a recessed entrance at ground level.
A large part of the upper floor was cut away for power lines, and in its place the architects created a terrace.
“The second floor has been offset to accommodate current zoning coverage and power lines at the rear of the site,” the studio said.
“This offset provided a rooftop deck on the second floor, more space for existing trees and bike storage, and a covered front entrance to the ADU.”
The two facades visible from the house are wrapped in ipe rain shutters, chosen for performance and aesthetic reasons. The remaining two facades have stucco cladding with ipe wood accents.
Some wood siding edges are curved instead of straight, a technique that helps “soften the feel and look of the ADU,” Walwas said. Curved elements can also be seen inside.
A large ground floor room in the residence includes a kitchen, dining space, lounge area, small bathroom, and laundry room.
The ground space opens onto a deck, providing opportunities for indoor/outdoor living.
The upper floor has an office that doubles as a bedroom.
A notable feature of the upper area is the high U-shaped window that extends into the cove above the ceiling line. Mirrors in the cove provide “a sense of infinite height.”
The two levels are connected by a narrow, skylit staircase painted bright yellow and lined with white oak slats.
Walwas said he wanted the experience of going up and down the stairs to feel like a “surreal transition.”
“Stairs are a very unique opportunity to experience new sensations as you travel through space,” Warwas said.
“That’s also why there’s a skylight there. The natural light and the yellow work well together.”
The interior design was overseen by Emily and Jason Potter, founders of DEN, a Los Angeles showroom specializing in 20th century vintage furniture.
The project also included landscape interventions. Most of the driveway leading to the old garage was removed and a gate was installed between the front and back yards.
“This really changes the garden experience,” said the architect, noting that clients now use their backyards more often.
“There are still some changes in progress to the house, but so far the ADU has brought a sense of completion to their property that wasn’t there before.”
Other ADU projects in the United States include Specht Novak’s windowless Austin residence and Mork Urnes’ small building balanced on a hillside in northern California.
Photographed by Taiyo Watanabe.
Project credits:
Architectural designer: bee
designer: Ben Werwas
Interior designer: Den (Emily and Jason Potter)
Contractor: Some construction work
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