¡Caliente!

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | Minneapolis, Minnesota

Looking to Expand

Following the birth of their child, the homeowners quickly realized they wanted to expand their 1,100 square-foot home. Their home, a classic Minneapolis bungalow, proved to be difficult to expand and retain elegant proportions. Luckily, the homeowners were happy to build a completely separate addition – a detached ADU located on top of the garage. After seeing other CSA-designed ADUs in their Longfellow neighborhood, they decided to contact Chris, who they called “the ADU guru in the area.” This ADU serves as both a guest suite for their out-of-town parents, and a bonus family room.

Bold Color

As Chris explained, the homeowners wanted “something completely different from the regular house - a fun experience that takes them out of everyday life.” The bright exterior colors help do that. The homeowners were intrigued at the idea of painting their ADU a bold color due to its hidden location behind their house. This specific red was carefully selected. Chris explained, “We wanted a red that was fairly complex with a lot of different undertones – so when the sun is shining on it, it doesn’t look pink.” Coincidentally, this red, called “Caliente” was Benjamin Moore’s 2018 Paint of the Year.

Bringing it Inside

The surprisingly bold and playful color selection continues into the inside of the home. As the homeowners explained, “We wanted a 70’s rec room feeling. I know white interiors are super on-trend, but I find them sterile and boring.” Thus, this small ADU became a bold, bright, and celebratory space.

At 500 square-feet, the ADU contains a spacious living room, compact kitchen, bedroom and bathroom for their out-of-town parents to reside in during visits. The ADU allows for the right balance between privacy and connection for long term guests. The living space is situated over a new 2-car garage, an asset for the long Minnesota winters, giving unique views across the neighborhood backyards.

The homeowners stated, “We’re really glad we did [the ADU]. It was a big project to take on. We’d do it again.”

Project Collaborators: Choice Wood Company and Bunkers and Associates. Photography by Alyssa Lee Photography. Drone photography by Ryan Siemers.

Awards: 2020 AIA MN & Star Tribune Home of the Month, Featured in Minneapolis-St. Paul Home Tour, Midwest Home Design Awards

Publications: Featured in Longfellow Messenger