Houses By Design

Small and Tudor-Style

A 1225-sq.-ft. detached ADU uses a sloping lot to its advantage, featuring a split-level entrance and vaulted ceilings.

By Janice Rohlf Issue 326 - October 2024

This detached accessory dwelling unit design brings forward a model of urban density while providing a private home that shares a courtyard with two other households. The 1225-sq.-ft. modern Tudor-style cottage in a modified split-level design has three bedrooms, one-and-a half baths, flexible utility space, and creative storage.

To take advantage of the 25-ft. height limit and the yard sloping away from the sidewalk, the front door enters at the mid-level landing. Upstairs the design features a great room with vaulted ceilings and dark-wood beams, an open kitchen with bar seating, and lots of natural light from all four sides of the home.

Photo of a vaulted ceiling featuring wooden beams spanning across the middle with white ceilings and walls, grey furniture, and a blue painting.
The kitchen is designed with abundant easy-to-use storage and generous counter space. The dining area’s large glass doors open to an upper-level patio that faces inward to the property’s shared courtyard. The bedrooms are downstairs, with access to the courtyard, which connects the private homes and provides opportunities to gather.

Architect

CAST Architecture

 Builder

Align

 Location

Seattle, Wash.

 Photos

Andrew Giammarco

— Written and curated by Janice Rohlf

From Fine Homebuilding #326

RELATED STORIES

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid

If you are designing or remodeling a traditional home and want to make sure that you get all the finish details right, this book is for you. Marianne’s drawings are illustrative, covering every aspect of interior and exterior finishes.
Buy at Amazon

All New Kitchen Ideas that Work

Kitchens are one of the most important rooms in the house. It's where we pack in the most function and spend the most money, so you want something that's convenient and inspiring — this book will help you get there.
Buy at Amazon

Graphic Guide to Frame Construction

Now in it’s 5th edition, Rob Thallon’s book for builders has been a go-to resource for decades. This book features clear graphics that will help you understand how nearly all American houses are — or should be — built.
Buy at Amazon
×

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Houses By Design

View All
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fix Air Leaks in Old Houses

Simple air-sealing measures and spray-applied sealant lower energy bills and increase comfort without the need to tear the house apart.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"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.

Video

View All Videos
View All

Other Home Styles

View All Other Home Styles Articles
View All Other Home Styles Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Home Building

Membership & Magazine

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.