In-Law Unit
Client
Downsizing Grandparents
Sqft
306
Location
Leimert Park
Originally
2-Car Garage

In-Law Unit

An expecting young couple reached out to Otto to convert their detached garage into a guesthouse for their parents. They wanted a space where the grandparents could be close to their newborn, with the potential to rent the unit in the future. Otto made the most out of a tight space, incorporating a full kitchen, laundry unit, and luxurious terrazzo-lined bath. The garage was tucked into the corner of the lot, but Otto was able to make it feel bright and roomy by vaulting the ceiling and adding skylights. Rather than building a ground-up unit, converting the existing garage allowed the homeowners to add a beautiful granny flat without sacrificing any backyard space.

The Existing Conditions

  • The detached garage was tucked into the back corner of a tiny lot
  • Extended family visits and future rental potential were both desired uses
  • The homeowners wanted to keep the existing clay tile roof

The Design Decisions

  • A vaulted ceiling and new skylights opened the space up, while exposed rafter ties were required to structurally stabilize the ADU
  • Terrazzo tile as a custom finish option creates a luxurious bathroom.
  • Otto designed an efficiency kitchen—with a dishwasher!
  • The homeowners requested custom windows to match their main house
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