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Holly ADU

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Location
Austin, Texas
Year
2017
Style
Scandinavian
The ADU sits in the backyard, along an alley on Austin's Eastside.
The ADU sits in the backyard, along an alley on Austin's Eastside.
The simple geometry pushes and pulls to create unique spaces and a sense of adventure
The simple geometry pushes and pulls to create unique spaces and a sense of adventure
Several patios expand the spaces to the exterior
Several patios expand the spaces to the exterior
A custom barn door, made by the owners, adds a decorative element and warmth
A custom barn door, made by the owners, adds a decorative element and warmth
A custom fabricated steel guardrail with an ipe cap by Brian Chilton Design, continues the angular lines found throughout the small house
A custom fabricated steel guardrail with an ipe cap by Brian Chilton Design, continues the angular lines found throughout the small house
The Brazillian cherry floor was salvaged from a family member's remodel and saved from the landfill
The Brazillian cherry floor was salvaged from a family member's remodel and saved from the landfill
Sherwinn Williams First Star adds a bit of a cool tone to an otherwise warm space
Sherwinn Williams First Star adds a bit of a cool tone to an otherwise warm space
A vaulted ceiling in the bedroom help to make the space feel large and airy
A vaulted ceiling in the bedroom help to make the space feel large and airy
A series of North facing windows carry indirect light from the exterior, into and across the stairwell, and into the bedroom
A series of North facing windows carry indirect light from the exterior, into and across the stairwell, and into the bedroom
A custom fabricated steel guardrail with an ipe cap by Brian Chilton Design, continues the angular lines found throughout the small house
A custom fabricated steel guardrail with an ipe cap by Brian Chilton Design, continues the angular lines found throughout the small house
The Brazillian cherry floor was salvaged from a family member's remodel and saved from the landfill
The Brazillian cherry floor was salvaged from a family member's remodel and saved from the landfill
A skylight and vaulted ceiling in the bathroom fill the space with natural light, washing over cool, calming tones of light blue and gray.
A skylight and vaulted ceiling in the bathroom fill the space with natural light, washing over cool, calming tones of light blue and gray.
The ADU nestles within the high-density Holly neighborhood in East Austin.
The ADU nestles within the high-density Holly neighborhood in East Austin.

Details

Square Feet
1000
Lot Size
6750
Bedrooms
2
Full Baths
2

Credits

From Davey McEathron Architecture

This two-story 1000-square-foot ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) takes advantage of the existing home's generous backyard to provide an urban infill opportunity for the property owners. Situated on an alley in Austin's hip Eastside, the structure's simple, yet adventurous geometry attracts the attention of many a passerby and becomes a great excuse to spark up a conversation with strangers.

The limited size of the ADU is overcome with vaulted ceilings - which expand the interior and make the spaces feel much larger; skylights which flood the spaces with bright, natural light; and direct connections to outdoor spaces - three patios offer an abundance of outdoor living. Wood accents on the exterior add warmth and personality and are replicated on the inside. Polished concrete floors and quartz countertops provide durability and shine for the ADU which is sometimes used as a short-term rental for additional income.

The architects manipulated a classic gable form, pushing and pulling as the program required, to arrive at the building's final arrangement. The second-story gable slides over to create a covered entry on one side and a second-story balcony on the other. Another gable volume extends the ground-floor living area and creates a nook for a cozy patio.