ADU
This project is a two-bedroom Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) that is fully ADA-compliant, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. The design aims to blur the boundaries between the natural environment and the built form, creating a home that is both functional and integrated with nature. The project addresses three key environmental concerns: sun control, natural ventilation, and green space integration.
First, the building’s orientation and window placement are optimized for sun control. By placing the majority of the windows on the north and south sides, and minimizing openings on the east and west, the design avoids the harsh sunlight of those orientations. The south-facing windows are further shaded by the second floor, which acts as an overhang to reduce heat gain while also creating a comfortable patio area for residents to enjoy.
Second, the massing promotes natural ventilation. A perforated staircase, located on the west side of the building where the strongest winds are found, facilitates the flow of air throughout the home. Additionally, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors on the ground floor foster an indoor-outdoor experience, allowing fresh air to circulate naturally and improving the overall comfort of the living space.
Third, green spaces and vegetation are central to the design. The home features an open atrium with a large tree at its center, creating a natural focal point within the dwelling. A glass-enclosed winter garden on the north side of the second floor brings nature inside year-round, while the green roof provides insulation and further integrates the home into its surroundings. By weaving green spaces throughout the design, this project promotes a harmonious balance between the indoor and outdoor environments, emphasizing sustainability and a deep connection to nature.
Through these strategies, the project seeks to create a sustainable, energy-efficient home that fosters a strong relationship with the natural world, offering a truly integrated living experience.
ISOMETRIC
Site: 5915 Echo St, Highland Park, CA 90042
Building Guidelines: • 2 Bedroom ADU (each with a 24” deep by 5’-0 wide or larger closet) • Does not exceed 800 sf • 1 ADU Bathroom • Shared kitchen, living, and open space area • Needs to be accessible from the street • Maximum of two stories
GROUND FLOORPLAN
SECON FLOORPLAN
LONG SECTION
SHORT SECTION
INTERIOR PERSPECTIVE
shadow study
SUN, WIND, AND GREENSPACE ANALYSIS
OVERHANG SHADOW STUDY
GREENSPACE HIERARCHY DIAGRAM
SUN PATH DIAGRAM
WIND ANALYSIS
