Small Jewels
Using Space Creatively
Words by Sommer Brugal Photos by Leonid Furmansky
In theory, the space is small. But standing inside, the benefits of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) are clear. With a bit of creativity, a small space can be cozy, not congested, separate, yet communal.
Walking through the door, there’s an immediate intimacy. It doesn’t feel overcrowded, but instead, the space feels open, comfortable, and welcoming.
To the right, the kitchen sparkles from rays of sunlight beaming through the skylights on vaulted ceilings. The upward angle makes the space feel much larger than it actually is. Open shelving lines the farthest wall. Quartz countertops and white cabinets round out the room and offer plenty of storage, and concrete floors enhance the minimalistic aesthetic. To the left of the home’s entrance is the stairway. Directly in front is the living space, complete with a sofa and entertainment center, which is conveniently tucked away under the stairs.
Davey McEathron, the principal architect and founder of Davey McEathron Architecture, designed the two-story, 1,000 square-foot Holly neighborhood ADU. A former commercial and public project architect, McEathron became interested in ADUs a few years ago hoping for better client interactions, shorter project timelines, and a way to be truly innovative in his work.
“ADUs are fun and simple, and [I] could see that the market was heading in that direction,” says McEathron. He adds that ADUs are “little jewel boxes that can have fun moments architecturally and can fit into the culture and vibe on the Eastside.”
According to McEathron, many properties in East Austin are becoming too costly for new homebuyers. But with the addition of an ADU, homeowners are able to make an investment that’s financially beneficial over time. McEathron also believes ADUs could offer a potential solution for the city’s growing population. The Holly ADU project is a perfect example of adding value and extra income to homeowners to help offset the cost of living.
The lot was deep enough for ample separation between the two homes and the ADU faces the alleyway. Each home’s back deck sits catty-corner from the other, enabling each the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor space separate from their neighbor. Because there isn’t an actual divide between the two, the design can encourage neighbors to mingle, while also allowing for individual space.
When designing the Holly ADU, McEathron says his main goal was to make the space feel bigger than it really was. Take the stairwell, for example. Windows sit in the corner to create the illusion that space is expanding beyond the wall’s end. In lieu of regular doors, pocket doors slide open and closed to avoid fighting the swing of a door in smaller spaces, like bathrooms. Bedrooms were also given extra thought. Each room sits on a different floor and on opposing sides of the house. Staggering them minimizes the noise and makes each space feel like its own.
Perhaps one of the more clever features is the location of the washer and dryer. Located on the first floor sitting inside what appears to be an extension of the kitchen island, both machines are hidden behind white cabinets and quartz countertops.
Designing the Holly ADU was simply editing what the owners were hoping for and imagining, focusing first on function then form. For McEathron, the exciting challenge is figuring out how to utilize every inch of the space he’s given and finding creative ways to get there.
Throwing Shade
Although there are numerous obstacles that appear while designing and building an Accessory Dwelling Unit, McEathron says trees are the biggest barriers of them all. In Austin, once a tree grows to more than 19 inches, it’s protected. So in East Austin where trees abound, building a livable, functional space can be quite the challenge. Still, McEathron, seeing it as a opportunity, adds, “Trees are beautiful and provide shade and habitat.”
Contact:
(512) 599-0660
daveymarchitecture.com
