Couple Add a Backyard ADU for an Aging Parent
A California design-build firm creates a light-filled contemporary dwelling that fits in with its surroundings
To help an aging parent live independently while staying close to family, this couple added a detached accessory dwelling unit to the backyard of their San Francisco Bay Area home. Drawn to clean-lined contemporary style, they also prioritized comfort, accessibility and everyday functionality. Their collaboration with Canyon Design Build resulted in a bright one-bedroom ADU that supports independent living for one of the homeowners’ fathers while feeling warm and welcoming.
Aesthetically, the ADU mirrors the main house’s contemporary style, color palette and multilevel shed roof. “Our clients wanted both the main home and the ADU to have a clean, dark exterior with a deliberate pop of color,” Avant says. The yellow door on the ADU echoes a long yellow horizontal stripe on the main house, visually connecting the two buildings.
Siding: Ignite, Thermory, over a Prosoco water barrier
Siding: Ignite, Thermory, over a Prosoco water barrier
The designers oriented the front facade of the ADU east, capturing natural light from sunrise to sunset through a wall of windows.
4 ADUs Just Right for Multigenerational Living
4 ADUs Just Right for Multigenerational Living
Inside, the yellow door serves as a bright focal point against the white walls. The kitchen and living room are located on this side of the front door, while the bedroom and bathroom are on the other.
The interiors put a fresh spin on midcentury modern style, with vibrant accents, warm wood tones and terrazzo-look countertops nodding to the era. Along the right side of the kitchen, a built-in sideboard functions as a prep surface, a serving station and living room storage.
The interiors put a fresh spin on midcentury modern style, with vibrant accents, warm wood tones and terrazzo-look countertops nodding to the era. Along the right side of the kitchen, a built-in sideboard functions as a prep surface, a serving station and living room storage.
The kitchen is efficient, with the fridge, oven, induction cooktop, sink and pantry cabinet arranged along a single wall. The natural wood finish and wooden knobs on the lower cabinets add a feeling of warmth to the space. The room also has a playful side, with backsplash tiles from San Francisco-based Heath Ceramics arranged in a windmill pattern.
Appliances and pullout range hood: Bosch
Where to Carve Out More Pantry Storage
Appliances and pullout range hood: Bosch
Where to Carve Out More Pantry Storage
The kitchen opens to the living room, which includes a small office area. Mounting the TV created an opportunity to introduce a warm wood accent into the white-walled room. Two wood stains on the TV surround form the silhouette of a mountain range, while painted lines extend the motif across the wall.
Walls throughout the ADU are painted in Benjamin Moore’s White Heron. In the living room, layers of vibrant color are introduced through upholstery, hanging macramé planters and artwork.
East-facing windows frame expansive landscape views and fill the room with natural light.
All windows: Zenith, Alpen
All windows: Zenith, Alpen
Set within its own wing beneath a separate shed roof, the bedroom benefits from a lower ceiling height that creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
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See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
In the bathroom, a wall-mounted toilet and vanity preserve floor space, making the compact room feel airy and open. Sleek linear light fixtures echo the contemporary vanity pulls.
11 Ways to Age-Proof Your Bathroom
11 Ways to Age-Proof Your Bathroom
A clerestory window brings natural light into the room while providing privacy. A stackable washer and dryer eliminates the need for the homeowner’s father to carry laundry between the ADU and the main house. Thoughtful details like these help him enjoy the convenience of independent living while staying connected to family.
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ADU at a Glance
Who lives here: One of the homeowners’ fathers
Location: Corte Madera, California
Size: One bedroom, one bathroom
Design-build firm: Canyon Design Build
The relationship between the main house (left) and the ADU (right) was an important part of the site planning, both physically and aesthetically. “The clients wanted the ADU to be separate but with a feeling of shared space and accessibility for the aging parent,” says Chris Avant, CEO of Canyon Design Build. A shared deck physically links the two structures, while the elimination of stairs helps ensure easy access.
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