The Challenge: Maximize Usable Yard While Adding Flexible Living Space
This couple came to us with their own ADU design already complete. The wife had led the design effort and created a smart, shed-roof studio layout that met all their needs—simple, compact, and cost-effective.
- A quiet place to work during the week
- A comfortable, private space for guests on weekends
- A layout that wouldn’t eat into their outdoor space
They placed the ADU in a tight spot at the back of the property—between the rear of their detached garage and the property line—which made construction tight but smart.
The Design: A Studio-Style Shed Roof ADU, Just the Way They Envisioned
Since the homeowners already had a clear plan, our job was to execute their design exactly as intended—and to make the construction process smooth from start to finish.
- A studio-style layout with open living/sleeping space, an efficiency kitchen, and full bathroom
- A shed-style roof to simplify framing and reduce cost
- Full insulation, climate control, and natural light for year-round use
- Strategic placement behind the garage to preserve the backyard for entertaining
Everything was built to code, permitted properly, and finished with modern touches to make it feel like a high-end guest suite.
The Result: A Functional, Flexible Space That Feels Like an Extension of Home
This ADU now pulls double-duty: it's a quiet home office during the day, and a comfortable guest suite whenever friends or family visit.
The best part? They didn’t have to give up their yard to get it. The ADU blends seamlessly into the backyard layout, and has quickly become one of the most-used and most-loved spaces on the property.
For a relatively small footprint, the impact has been huge—and they’ve gotten more compliments on it than they ever expected.
Thinking About Your Own Backyard ADU?
Whether you’ve already designed your ADU or just have a strong vision for what you want, I can help you build it. I’ve worked with dozens of homeowners like this couple—people who care about design, care about quality, and want to make smart use of their property.
Let’s talk about what’s possible on your lot.
Book a Backyard Review to see what’s possible for your property.
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
