Flexible Family Unit

A couple in Silverlake contacted Otto after recently getting married, purchasing a home, and welcoming their first child. They wanted to convert their garage into an ADU that could adapt to their changing needs: a guest home for friends and family, office space, and maybe even a rental unit in the future. Otto worked with the challenging site conditions and charming details in the existing structure to create a unit as flexible and functional as it is beautiful.

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Photo Credit: John Yu

The Existing Conditions

A small garage footprint allows limited square footage
Two sides of the garage were located on the property line, preventing windows along these walls
The garage’s proximity to a pool meant limited options for entry and utility equipment placement
Otto and homeowners agreed that charming design elements in the existing garage—like shallow terra cotta roof with beautiful clay details—were worth preserving

The Design Decisions

Despite the small footprint, the homeowners wanted the unit to have an enclosed bedroom. Otto utilized pocket doors to make the most of every inch.
Compact kitchen appliances (including a small cooktop and undercounter fridge) a full-size pantry, and floating shelves create a fully functional kitchen in a small footprint
A skylight in the bathroom draws in extra natural light, while bedroom windows look out on the tiled pool and Franklin hills beyond
French doors connect to the outdoor living space at the rear and side of the home

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