GreenHouse

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | Minneapolis, MN

Building Back

As the homeowners watched the Vikings playoff game, known as the "Minneapolis Miracle," at a neighbor’s house, their garage sparked an electrical fire and was soon engulfed in flames. Although no one was hurt in the fire, the garage was destroyed. The homeowners sensed that this was an opportunity to build what they had long been considering – an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). It would provide space for their aging parents, as well as a sewing space. In addition, the owners wanted their ADU to be a model of sustainability.

The resulting 660 square foot ADU hosts a full kitchen, living room, bedroom, and small deck, as well as solar panels and numerous sustainable features. To visually expand the small space, we focused on maximizing the number of windows and sky lights.

Maximizing the Space

Designing an ADU is “a game of inches, not feet.” This ADU is no exception. It is packed full of amenities, including in-floor heating, a stacked washer and dryer, and even an elevator for the homeowner’s aging parents. Due to the clients’ desire for a modern aesthetic, these layers of amenities were elegantly hidden to avoid visual clutter. Chris stated, “The challenge was getting all of the electrical and plumbing tucked into the walls. Every single void in the ADU is filled.” The many large windows only added to this challenge by taking up precious wall space.

Sustainability

This is our “greenest” project to date. The homeowner shared, “In my family, one parent worked in photovoltaics in the early days. My spouse’s work has been with climate change. So why wouldn’t we take a sustainable approach to the ADU? That’s what it comes down to: Why would you build something today that ignored the challenges we already have and the ones we know are coming?” Solar panels, continuous exterior Zip-insulation, and automated rolling shades work to create a sustainable living space. The solar panels provide about half the electricity that the client’s primary home uses, as well as powering the ADU. Because both the sky lights and the solar panels required roof space, we took careful consideration to create a layout which would maximize both.

Construction Timelapse

Project Collaborators: Über Built, and Bunkers and Associates. Windows by Marvin. Skylights by Velux. Cabinets by Semihandmade. Siding by Firestone. Photography by Alyssa Lee Photography. Time Lapse by Ryan Siemers Architectural Filmmaking.

Awards: 2021 Star Tribune Home of the Month, Selected for the AIA Homes by Architects Tour, 2021 RAVE Awards, Midwest Home Design Awards

Publications: Clients Interviewed by the American Institute of Architects: Recording, Featured on BuildWithRise.com, Featured on Midwest Home, Featured project at SemiHandmade, Featured on EnterMN.com, Featured in Fox 9 Interview