Replacing the main house’s carport created the opportunity to build this upstairs Austin, Texas accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Used mainly as a guest house and a writer’s retreat, it offers a quiet sanctuary tucked away in a busy West Austin neighborhood. The space features 549 sq. ft. of conditioned space was efficiently planned to comprise a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area.
Wrapping around the ADU, a generous 350-sq.-ft. porch increases the perceived spaciousness of the building, as do large windows and varying ceiling heights that range from 9 ft. to 15 ft. The exterior features a mix of wood and fiber-cement siding and asphalt shingles on the roof. Interior finishes include post-oak flooring, handmade ceramic tile, stone countertops, and custom millwork wainscoting.
To deal with the challenging terrain—a steep woodland hill, a sloping driveway, and utility lines—the approach to the house is via a winding path up the hill to the porch. Then, a small bridge connecting the path and porch to the house negotiates the difference in terrain and provides an experiential cue of transitioning to a secluded and protected environment cozily furnished with found pieces and family treasures.
For anyone interested in a sensible and cost-effective approach to designing and building a home that is comfortable, healthy, efficient, and durable, this book is a fantastic starting point (really, it may be all you need!).
A House Needs to Breathe...Or Does It?: An Introduction to Building Science
Allison Bailes is great at explaining complex building science topics in simple terms that anyone can understand. If your goal is a new house or remodel that embodies the best practices that building scientists have to offer, buy this book right away.
The New Carbon Architecture: Building to Cool the Climate
With this book, architect Bruce King changes the conversation around what it means to build a green home. Take everything you thought you knew about the topic, and just set it aside and let Bruce explain why embodied carbon trumps the rest of what is undoubtedly important.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently
say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
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