the owners of this Santa Cruz home decided to build a small attached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in their backyard to create a self-contained living space that could serve as a long-term rental, guest quarters, or even a future home for aging parents—all while maintaining privacy and comfort for everyone involved.

the design had to be efficient and intentional. Working closely with the homeowners, our team designed a compact unit that made the most of every inch. An open-concept layout combined the kitchen, living, and dining areas into a single flowing space, with vaulted ceilings and strategically placed windows that brought in natural light and made the home feel larger than its footprint.