Chris Walter, @ChrisWPhoto, talked with Matt Hutchins about the significance of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

At CAST architecture, we have been focused on ADUs for more than a decade. They're fun to design, perfectly fit a niche for new housing in established neighborhoods, and provide many benefits for owners and residents.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJaLht9v5Yw

CAST’s Cedar Cottage is a City of Seattle Pre-approved DADU. Our vision is to adapt the high-design cottage, simplify it, and make it accessible.

See more at www.castcottages.com

“Part of the reason we love backyard cottages is just the opportunity. If you have a home with a possibility for a second house – it could be whatever you want it to be – a studio, a place for grandma, a rental, and having that flexibility is huge. We have people who have it as an Airbnb, or a long-term rental, as a place for their kids and then their retirement home. This flexibility is fantastic. It opens up so many opportunities in this great city.”         -- Matt Hutchins, AIA, Certified Passive House Designer

Backyard cottages = Flexibility and Opportunity

A modern Tudor-style cottage built to fit the neighborhood and add density to Montlake

DADUs help seattle’s density

This well-crafted modern Tudor-style cottage in Seattle’s treasured Montlake neighborhood brings forward a model of urban density, while providing a private home. A gracious entry brings you to the great room with vaulted ceilings, dark-wood beams, and loads of natural light from all four sides of the home. The kitchen is designed with abundant easy-to-use storage and generous counter space. The dining area’s large glass doors open to a patio facing inward to the property’s shared courtyard that connects the private homes and provides opportunities to gather. A lot of home fits into the 1,225 square feet with three bedrooms, two baths, flexible utility space, and creative storage. Two entrances make access to both levels of the home straightforward.

See Built Green’s case study on their website: CAST architecture Modern Tudor DADU It highlights energy efficiency, low-impact development, rainwater catchment, indoor air quality, moisture protection, and materials with reduced environmental impact throughout the home and property.

See more: Blaine Cottage

Photos by: Andrew Giammarco