Lavanadu

The existing garage had an interesting location on the site; in front of the main residence and adjacent to an overlarge asphalt driveway that covered the entire front yard. Sadly, the neglected building was failing, and, together with the drive, contributed to the lackluster curb appeal for the property. Keeping the new structure within the existing footprint of the garage was necessary to make sure that we did not disturb the (enormous) Big Leaf Maple that lives in the front yard, nor require any changes to the existing curb cut. The siting also maintains a nice relationship between the main house, garage, and the pathway to the existing backyard deck, allowing folks to move easily between them.

The DADU was designed as one large room with a centrally located “service cube” of semi-custom casework, around which all programmatic spaces and functions circulate in a loop. An entry niche with custom bench lead to a simple galley kitchen, with the service cube on one side providing a large wall of storage. The kitchen opens up to an airy living & dining room, with a window wall of views to the lake beyond on one side, and the casework cube providing a backdrop of storage and display. Around the corner, a cozy bed nook is carved into cube, the cabinetry serving as closet, shelving, and privacy. It simultaneously creates a secluded area for sleeping without disrupting the lofty, expansive space. Opposite the bed, a bay window cantilevers over the private side of the property, making for a sunny reading nook.

Past the bed nook is colorfully tiled bathroom. A lively stone remnant vanity with bench provides an anchor for the room, while the toilet sits quietly in its own small cubicle – the only fully enclosed space in the whole project!