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Pasadena pool house ADU — two-story exterior
2-Story ADU

Pasadena Pool House ADU

1 Bed, 1 Bath · 750 sqft · Pasadena, CA

Designed for Work, Entertaining, and Poolside Relaxation

Client’s Goals & Challenges

This Los Angeles homeowner and his wife both worked remotely and needed a dedicated work-from-home space without compromising their ability to entertain guests and enjoy their newly built luxury pool. The ADU had to function as:

  • A professional, distraction-free home office
  • A guest suite for visiting family and friends
  • A seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining area for poolside gatherings

Additionally, with a maximum budget of $300K, they wanted to maximize functionality without sacrificing design quality.

Design & Construction Features

Two-Story Layout for Functionality

  • 1st Floor : Open-concept entertaining area featuring a custom bathroom and an efficiency kitchen with a serving bar connecting the indoor living room to the pool area.
  • 2nd Floor : Hybrid home office & guest quarters with vaulted ceilings for a spacious, light-filled workspace.

Contemporary Design with High-End Finishes

  • Black-framed energy-efficient windows
  • Accordion-style exterior patio door that fully opens to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience
  • Tropical wallpapered stairwell with a custom wrought-iron railing
  • Custom tile work in the bathroom, enhancing the ADU’s luxury feel

Poolside Integration

  • The large accordion patio door provides unobstructed views of the pool, creating a resort-like experience
  • Thoughtful placement ensures privacy while maintaining an open connection to the backyard

Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

  • James Hardie fiber-cement siding for durability and low maintenance
  • Dimensional asphalt shingle roof for a classic yet modern look
  • Upgraded insulation & high-performance clean air circulation for year-round comfort
  • Energy-efficient windows and doors to reduce energy costs

Construction Challenges & Solutions

Challenge : The newly built high-end pool and custom hardscape had to remain untouched throughout construction

Solution : The team used protective barriers and careful site planning to prevent damage while ensuring a smooth construction process

Final Outcome & Client Feedback

The Koreatown Pool House ADU exceeded expectations . The home office has significantly improved productivity , while the first-floor entertaining space has already hosted multiple gatherings . The homeowners love how the design blends work and leisure seamlessly, turning their backyard into a multi-functional retreat .

Thinking about building a Pool House ADU in Los Angeles? Schedule a 15-minute Backyard Review to discuss your project!

15 minutes · No obligation

Want something like this for your backyard?

Most clients find their fit in our nine-home Signature lineup. A few each year commission a fully custom build like the one above. Either way, start with a 15-minute Backyard Review — we'll place a Signature Home on your actual property to scale, walk you through the interior in 3D, and quote your project before you commit to anything.

9 Signature Homes · $219K–$459K all-inclusive · or fully custom from $9,990 plans