A Sustainability-Minded DADU with a View
Net Carbon DADU
Guided by sustainable practices in and out, this DADU is estimated to be carbon negative.
Anchored to their modest, 100-year-old Craftsman bungalow by love and nostalgia, these homeowners had no desire to move despite an obvious need for more room. With two tween children sharing a room, a home-based business occupying most of the living space, and no areas of retreat, it was time for growth and change. Declaring relocation off the table, they turned to us to help them explore creative solutions that also maintained the integrity and character of the original, Ravenna neighborhood home.
After exploring several conventional design iterations for the existing space, such as an attic renovation and addition, the homeowners decided to pursue a DADU, or a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit. This solution allowed them to increase space without dramatically altering their century-old home, while fully embracing everything their property had to offer. (And, potentially earn renter’s income in the future, if needed.)
Sustainability was another priority for these homeowners. Sloping to the south, the rear yard not only has great views, but abundant solar access. Using passive solar design and high-functioning, low-impact materials, the DADU is estimated to be carbon negative. Every element was carefully chosen to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact — from the foundation, insulation, and waterproofing, to the floors, paints, and roof.
A Happier Home
This two-story, compact DADU was built with practicality and livability in mind, utilizing sustainable and environmentally supportive design elements to create a carbon-negative unit. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
A Happier Home
This two-story, compact DADU was built with practicality and livability in mind, utilizing sustainable and environmentally supportive design elements to create a carbon-negative unit. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Accessory Dwelling
A raised deck connects this new DADU to the main house on one level, and to the courtyard-inspired DADU patio below. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Accessory Dwelling
A raised deck connects this new DADU to the main house on one level, and to the courtyard-inspired DADU patio below. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
A Deck to Die For
The living space opens up to a deck connecting the DADU to the main home via sliding French doors helping the premises feel open and spacious. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
A Deck to Die For
The living space opens up to a deck connecting the DADU to the main home via sliding French doors helping the premises feel open and spacious. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Below Deck
Exiting the lower living space via sliding French doors leads guests to a sunken patio – the perfect spot for a backyard hangout or BBQ. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Below Deck
Exiting the lower living space via sliding French doors leads guests to a sunken patio – the perfect spot for a backyard hangout or BBQ. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Bright Spots
For a pop of color, yellow paneling around the windows gives the exterior dimension and character. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Bright Spots
For a pop of color, yellow paneling around the windows gives the exterior dimension and character. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Working within a small, slanted lot, the optimal direction to build was up. The flex space on the second story of the DADU is programmed for a small kitchen and a living room, connected to the main house by a deck. The lower level is home to a guest bedroom and a full bath. Outside the bedroom via sliding glass doors is a sunken patio with a staircase leading to the main level. Keeping this area open allows all levels of the DADU to access natural light – and offers an additional patio space for entertaining guests.
One of the DADU’S most special features is the light-filled attic space, accessible through the kitchen by way of custom, folding stairs. Their heft balanced by a counterweight, a light touch allows the stairs to be easily stowed away when not in use. The meditative attic loft leads to a rooftop deck with million-dollar views of Mt. Rainer and Lake Washington.
Through great communication, creative problem-solving, and committed clients, the DADU grants further longevity to this old and beloved property while implementing numerous sustainable practices. Here’s to 100 more years of sustainable living!
The Extra Mile
The installation of a sunken patio transformed what would have been a basement room with ground-level windows at eye-height into a multifunctional, walk-out, light-filled space. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
The Extra Mile
The installation of a sunken patio transformed what would have been a basement room with ground-level windows at eye-height into a multifunctional, walk-out, light-filled space. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Don’t Settle for Darkness
Despite its below grade location, the lower level of the DADU enjoys abundant natural light from the sliding French doors and flanking windows. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Don’t Settle for Darkness
Despite its below grade location, the lower level of the DADU enjoys abundant natural light from the sliding French doors and flanking windows. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Floating Stairs
The first and second levels are connected by sleek, richly-stained wooden floating stairs. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Floating Stairs
The first and second levels are connected by sleek, richly-stained wooden floating stairs. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
All You Need
The bathroom vanity is compact yet with plenty of storage making it both suitable for the space and efficient. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
All You Need
The bathroom vanity is compact yet with plenty of storage making it both suitable for the space and efficient. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
No Sacrifices
Often tight on space, DADUs typically require smaller showers — but that doesn’t mean luxury should be spared. A rain shower head and frameless glass enclosure help this shower live larger. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
No Sacrifices
Often tight on space, DADUs typically require smaller showers — but that doesn’t mean luxury should be spared. A rain shower head and frameless glass enclosure help this shower live larger. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Lighten Up
The use of lighter colors on the walls and floor help the abundant natural light reflect through the room, leaving the space bright and fresh. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Lighten Up
The use of lighter colors on the walls and floor help the abundant natural light reflect through the room, leaving the space bright and fresh. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Gracious and Spacious
The living room offers plenty of space for guests to relax, and is made to feel larger with sliding French doors and strategically placed windows. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Gracious and Spacious
The living room offers plenty of space for guests to relax, and is made to feel larger with sliding French doors and strategically placed windows. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Quick Connections
Beyond the sliding French doors is the original Craftsman bungalow main house, easily accessible in just a few steps. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Quick Connections
Beyond the sliding French doors is the original Craftsman bungalow main house, easily accessible in just a few steps. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Sneaky Staircases
When the custom folding stairs leading to the loft are folded away, passing behind the kitchen leads to the staircase to the lower level. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Sneaky Staircases
When the custom folding stairs leading to the loft are folded away, passing behind the kitchen leads to the staircase to the lower level. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Clever and Compact
A custom folding staircase to the loft level can be easily stashed away when not in use, opening the path to the lower level. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Clever and Compact
A custom folding staircase to the loft level can be easily stashed away when not in use, opening the path to the lower level. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Creative Mechanics
With a counterweight on a pulley system offsetting the weight of the wood stairs, they open and close with ease. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Creative Mechanics
With a counterweight on a pulley system offsetting the weight of the wood stairs, they open and close with ease. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Mini-Chef Magic
Complete with a small-but-efficient flex kitchen specially programmed for this project, guests are provided with the comforts of home. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Mini-Chef Magic
Complete with a small-but-efficient flex kitchen specially programmed for this project, guests are provided with the comforts of home. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Loft Access
With the folding stairs open, access to the loft is granted. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Loft Access
With the folding stairs open, access to the loft is granted. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Open Seseme
Opening the sliding gate grants access to the folding stairs to the main level. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Open Seseme
Opening the sliding gate grants access to the folding stairs to the main level. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Safety First
A railing with a sliding gate keeps loft visitors safe when the ladder is not in use. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Safety First
A railing with a sliding gate keeps loft visitors safe when the ladder is not in use. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
A Unique Lookout
The arched loft space opens to a private rooftop deck. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
A Unique Lookout
The arched loft space opens to a private rooftop deck. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Make It Pop
Bright yellow is a statement color continued throughout the palette bringing a playful moment to this clean, modern design. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Make It Pop
Bright yellow is a statement color continued throughout the palette bringing a playful moment to this clean, modern design. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
A DADU with a View
Though compact, the DADU roof deck grants access to stunning views of Lake Washington, the Cascades, and Mt. Rainier. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
A DADU with a View
Though compact, the DADU roof deck grants access to stunning views of Lake Washington, the Cascades, and Mt. Rainier. Net Carbon DADU | Photo by Brian Hartman.
Notes & Credits
This project was built by Mighty House Construction.
Interior Design by Entero Design.
Structural Engineering by Swensen Say Fagét.
Sustainability consulting by 475 High Performance Building Supply.
Photography by Brian Hartman.
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