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Project posted by Aroom

Versatile Backyard Studio

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Location
Fairfax, Virginia
Year
2023
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Style
Modern
“We got creative with the triangulated roof. It starts at nine feet at the base of the triangle, and then slopes up to thirteen feet high at its peak,” says Lee.
“We got creative with the triangulated roof. It starts at nine feet at the base of the triangle, and then slopes up to thirteen feet high at its peak,” says Lee.
“It’s a bit of an optical illusion depending on what angle you’re looking at it,” says Lee. “It sort of looks rectangular or tilted, but spatially when you’re inside, you’re not getting a flat ceiling.”
“It’s a bit of an optical illusion depending on what angle you’re looking at it,” says Lee. “It sort of looks rectangular or tilted, but spatially when you’re inside, you’re not getting a flat ceiling.”
The unit is positioned about 30 feet away from the house, which is far away enough that you can’t hear the kids if they’re being loud, says Sarah. (Her son recently hosted a karaoke party for 10 friends in the studio but it wasn’t disruptive, she says.)
The unit is positioned about 30 feet away from the house, which is far away enough that you can’t hear the kids if they’re being loud, says Sarah. (Her son recently hosted a karaoke party for 10 friends in the studio but it wasn’t disruptive, she says.)
A desk along one wall faces the backyard.
A desk along one wall faces the backyard.
The ADU’s cladding is stainless steel, making it resilient in all types of weather. “The D.C. metro area has four distinct seasons—it rains a lot, snows a lot, and it gets hot in the summer—so we wanted to create a unit that was adaptable and sustainable,” says David Lee, founder and CEO of prefab design company Aroom. The exterior of the main house contrasts the steel with its brick and light-blue siding, but the Yeons loved the idea of a refreshing and modern look for the backyard unit.
The ADU’s cladding is stainless steel, making it resilient in all types of weather. “The D.C. metro area has four distinct seasons—it rains a lot, snows a lot, and it gets hot in the summer—so we wanted to create a unit that was adaptable and sustainable,” says David Lee, founder and CEO of prefab design company Aroom. The exterior of the main house contrasts the steel with its brick and light-blue siding, but the Yeons loved the idea of a refreshing and modern look for the backyard unit.
A desk along one wall faces the backyard.
A desk along one wall faces the backyard.
It took a total of 24 days to install the unit. “We prefabricated the framing, the insulation, and the waterproof sheeting, which are all panelized so all that the contractors had to assemble was the interior finish and the exterior siding,” says Lee.
It took a total of 24 days to install the unit. “We prefabricated the framing, the insulation, and the waterproof sheeting, which are all panelized so all that the contractors had to assemble was the interior finish and the exterior siding,” says Lee.
“We created custom cabinets for the couple to use as storage space,” says Lee. “The raised platform can also be used as a reading nook, or you can place a mattress on top for guests to sleep on.”
“We created custom cabinets for the couple to use as storage space,” says Lee. “The raised platform can also be used as a reading nook, or you can place a mattress on top for guests to sleep on.”

Details

Square Feet
216
Bedrooms
1

Credits

Posted by
Architect
Builder
Teabow Residential

From Aroom

Introducing a versatile 216 sqft backyard studio, designed for a family in Fairfax, VA. As their family expanded to include three children, with a college-attending son and a high school daughter, the couple found themselves in need of additional space in their home. While relocating or embarking on a home expansion project were potential solutions, neither option was particularly enticing due to the inconvenience and their affinity for the neighborhood they had grown fond of.

Consequently, they chose to collaborate with us at Aroom to create a contemporary detached backyard studio for the entire family. Within, the studio's triangular ceiling fosters an atmosphere of airiness and creativity, soaring up to 12 feet to truly amplify the available space. Our custom-built platform offers a snug nook for relaxation, reading, or accommodating a full-size mattress. Our Model 21 backyard studio presents a modern, sculptural space, shows a metallic exterior finish and a unique roof design.

The family adores this addition, which serves as an extension to their home without necessitating a move. Furthermore, it establishes a private sanctuary for the entire family to cherish.