Efficient Building

A reading nook in front of the "cabin" workspace at the top of the stairs.

Whether it’s cross-country skiing in the winter or trail running in the summer, the 330-foot home’s minimalist design encourages Catherine to be outside in the surrounding landscape throughout the year.

Brian and Melissa's two young children spend hours playing in the yard. With Melissa's mother in a house on the same property, the kids have easy access to Grandma whenever she's in town. "It's such a unique experience having multiple generations together," Brian says. "If the kids get up early, they can just run over to Melissa's mom's and spend time with her."

Los Angeles company Cover builds customizable prefab ADUs.

Danny envisioned the space between the ADU and the house as an informal place to gather. "It creates a sort of courtyard sensibility, which works for our intergenerational family dynamics."

The ADU is sited behind the home of two T+E+A+M members, architectural designer Adam Fure and architect Ellie Abrons.

The custom dining table—which was made by a local artisan—is located in front of west-facing windows that frame the sunset in the evenings. The table can be easily moved inside or out depending on the weather.

Everything brought to the island must be transported by boat or barge, so furniture is minimal. Carsten purchased the 1960 Rais wood stove more than a decade ago with the intention of using it in a cabin one day.

Floor Plan of San Diego ADU by Modern Granny Flat

Cabinets hang from the ceiling around the kitchen, helping defining the area without obstructing the natural light that flows throughout the building.

Upstairs, three small bedrooms share a bathroom.

A Seattle couple built their own backyard house with a city-sponsored design—and then rented out their old home on the property to friends.