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The Kleines Haus was thoughtfully designed to maintain its own sense of independence from the main house.

Scott and Lauren’s compact backyard home is located in the back half of their 5,000-square-foot lot in the Richmond neighborhood of Southeast Portland.

Based in central Texas, Kountry Containers offers the Showcase, a one-bedroom, one-bathroom ADU that starts at $59,530. As the company’s name implies, it is constructed out of shipping containers, but its interiors are totally transformed with insulated windows, a kitchenette, and bathroom. Interiors can be outfitted with red cedar, as can the exterior, and other customizing options are available.

AbleNook is a Florida-based prefabricated, flat-pack home kit made from aircraft-grade aluminum framing and structural insulated panels (SIPs). Although it started out as an architecture school project, it was later patented through the University of South Florida and makes for an affordable ADU starting at $75,000. Use it as a main residence, eco-friendly second home, or Airbnb. They’re also designed to be potential disaster relief, as they’re ready for just about any terrain or weather conditions, including Florida’s hurricane winds. It’s also expandable to accommodate a range of sizes.

Custom oak cabinetry in the kitchenette was given a modern treatment to balance the more rustic elements in the setting, like the ceiling and antique table-turned-kitchen island. The faucet is by Kingston Brass.

One of a kind pieces like a vintage wood bird sculpture sourced from TheCollectist and several vintage ceramic pieces sourced from Pop Up Home and Den in Los Angeles mingle with a network of bluetooth speakers making music available everywhere in the home.

Two George Nelson Bubble Pendants, from Herman Miller, drift above an overstuffed couch from BluDot draped in an assortment of italian wool heritage throws invite guests to snuggle up for a movie night.

Black tile covers the downstairs shower.

The homeowners spent $125,000 refreshing the ’70s home with finishes and decor that make it feel like a beloved family retreat.

The living area is the main showcase of the home with soaring pine ceilings, 20ft windows and a stone walled fire place.

Clients can customize the kitchenette, which is stationed next to a small desk or dining table.

To protect the home from the sun in the summer, the south facade has less windows and a pergola over the terrace.

Steps lead down the sloped site from the patio to the pool, allowing the home to “drape” over the topography.

This Iwi prefab was designed by architects Juan Ruiz and Amelia Tapia for anyone looking to add a flexible space to their property. With a timber frame clad in cork and waterproof canvas stitched into wood ribbing, it expands like an accordion to a total of roughly 92 square feet. When compressed, it becomes a 26-square-foot roofed hutch.

The kitchen island is made from natural stucco and topped with aluminum. The floor is made with stone from a local quarry.

Natural forms and a neutral palette of stucco and wood bring a refined touch to interior spaces.

Large windows and minimal furnishings in every bedroom help retain a tranquil, site-forward aesthetic.