(Heaton-Ellis)

 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Saint Paul, MN

An Urban Context

In the character-rich Como neighborhood of St. Paul, a dilapidated garage was swapped for a cozy ADU with fresh living space and a bike workshop. Our smallest ADU project yet, this humble home is a 400 square foot retreat behind the client’s primary residence.

As avid cyclists, the clients wanted to reimagine the American garage to better suit their needs and lifestyle. They chose to orient the space around their bikes rather than cars, with a small street-facing bike workshop and additional storage in a second-floor attic. By scaling down the garage, they were able to create a complete living unit on the other side of structure.

This compact ADU merges modern detailing with a lush, lived-in landscape—balancing privacy, natural light, and neighborhood scale. Precise lines and expressive color create an architectural statement, while the design maintains a quiet dialogue with its wooded surroundings.

Outdoor Living Space

A thoughtfully crafted sheltered entry welcomes you in with recycled doors (saved from a dumpster), warm materials and careful detailing. The transition from exterior to interior is seamless, creating a strong connection to the surrounding garden and reinforcing a sense of arrival.

Welcome in

Expansive windows frame the surrounding greenery, drawing soft daylight deep into the interior. This connection to the landscape brings a sense of calm and openness, making the compact space feel airy, bright, and grounded in nature.

In the Neighborhood

Cozy, bright, and beautifully efficient, the space is designed to make the most out of every square foot. Smart, durable design ensures comfort year-round, built to stand Minnesota’s ever-changing seasons while maintaining a warm, livable atmosphere.