What is an ADU: Accessory Dwelling Units: An accessory dwelling unit, usually just called an ADU, is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. The term “accessory dwelling unit” is a institutional-sounding name, but it’s the most commonly-used term across the country to describe this type of housing. While the full name is a mouthful, the shorthand “ADU” is better. ADUs vary in their physical form quite a bit, as there are detached ADU, attached ADU, second story ADU (above garage or work shop), addition ADU, internal ADU. IMPORTANT: There’s simply too few permitted ADUs to make a real difference in the housing stock. But, even if they aren’t going to solve all a city’s problems, they may help homeowners solve some of their problems. The most common motivation for ADU development is rental income potential, followed by the prospect of flexible living space for multigenerational households. We at FIDELITY GENERAL CONTRACTORS, providing a single point of contact to homeowners interested in this product, from conceptual stage including plans, city legwork, project managing of the construction stage including assistance with material purchase and other coordination, all the way to completion. (this project showcases a detached ADU, 400 SQ.)

The Portoghesi design features Italianate architecture with picturesque detailing and bountiful amenities. The first floor includes generously sized common areas, a bowed window bay and an owner’s suite for convenient one-level living. The paneled study, conveniently located off the foyer, connects to a full bath and easily converts to a second suite if necessary. The second floor features three bedrooms, two full baths and a loft complete with kitchenette. The outdoor rooms are a focal point throughout the house: the second floor has sweeping views from the front deck and side balcony while the first floor has multiple access points to the streetscape via the living room, dining room and owner’s suite.

The Portoghesi design features Italianate architecture with picturesque detailing and bountiful amenities. The first floor includes generously sized common areas, a bowed window bay and an owner’s suite for convenient one-level living. The paneled study, conveniently located off the foyer, connects to a full bath and easily converts to a second suite if necessary. The second floor features three bedrooms, two full baths and a loft complete with kitchenette. The outdoor rooms are a focal point throughout the house: the second floor has sweeping views from the front deck and side balcony while the first floor has multiple access points to the streetscape via the living room, dining room and owner’s suite.

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2014 Houzz
Example of an eclectic hallway design in Dallas

The design of this four bedroom Upper West Side apartment involved the complete renovation of one half of the unit and the remodeling of the other half. The main living space includes a foyer, lounge, library, kitchen and island. The library can be converted into the fourth bedroom by deploying a series of sliding/folding glass doors together with a pivoting wall panel to separate it from the rest of the living area. The kitchen is delineated as a special space within the open floor plan by virtue of a folded wooden volume around the island - inviting casual congregation and dining. All three bathrooms were designed with a common language of modern finishes and fixtures, with functional variations depending on their location within the apartment. New closets serve each bedroom as well as the foyer and lounge spaces. Materials are kept to a limited palette of dark stained wood flooring, American Walnut for bathroom vanities and the kitchen island, white gloss and lacquer finish cabinetry, and translucent glass door panelling with natural anodized aluminum trim. Lightly veined carrara marble lines the bathroom floors and walls. www.archphoto.com

The Portoghesi design features Italianate architecture with picturesque detailing and bountiful amenities. The first floor includes generously sized common areas, a bowed window bay and an owner’s suite for convenient one-level living. The paneled study, conveniently located off the foyer, connects to a full bath and easily converts to a second suite if necessary. The second floor features three bedrooms, two full baths and a loft complete with kitchenette. The outdoor rooms are a focal point throughout the house: the second floor has sweeping views from the front deck and side balcony while the first floor has multiple access points to the streetscape via the living room, dining room and owner’s suite.

design: Carrie Preston (Studio TOOP) and Jasper Helmantel (Cruydt Hoeck), 2011 location: Appeltern, NL status: built in 2012 by Appeltern Model Garden Complex photos: Jolanthe Lalkens, June 2013 Designed as assignment from both the Dutch gardening magazine Groei & Bloei and the television and radio nature program Vara's Vroege Vogels, this garden serves as a model of how homeowners can incorporate lots of plant life and wildlife into the design but without sacrificing practicality or aesthetics. The garden is deliberately contemporary in its style to emphasize that nature-rich gardens need not look a certain way - insects and birds don't care if the lines are straight or curved. At the same time the garden makes use of affordable, simple, no-nonsense materials. The 40x60 cm paving stones are one of the most common and affordable paving options in the Netherlands, available en masse for free on the Internet. Conceptually we imagined a garden completely paved with the tiles (as to many gardens are) and what would happen if took out some of these stones, used them to build benches and structure and added plants where the tiles had been. In the construction of the benches we include other materials such as bamboo sticks and insulation bricks that create habitat for insects such as solitary bees. The plant palette is based on a selection of native and host plants in combination with the 26 plants plan set up by Groei & Boei -- a list of plants aimed at making the use of more plants in gardens accessible and less intimidating. The choice for the number 26 corresponds with the number of letters in the alphabet in line with the famous Dutch garden designer Mien Ruy's comment that if we only need 26 letters to create a whole language, we should be able to combine and mix 26 plants to express far more than we think.

Mudrooms are practical entryway spaces that serve as a buffer between the outdoors and the main living areas of a home. Typically located near the front or back door, mudrooms are designed to keep the mess of the outside world at bay. These spaces often feature built-in storage for coats, shoes, and accessories, helping to maintain a tidy and organized home. Durable flooring materials, such as tile or easy-to-clean surfaces, are common in mudrooms to withstand dirt and moisture. Additionally, mudrooms may include benches or cubbies for convenient seating and storage of bags or backpacks. With hooks for hanging outerwear and perhaps a small sink for quick cleanups, mudrooms efficiently balance functionality with the demands of an active household, providing an essential transitional space in the home.

The Portoghesi design features Italianate architecture with picturesque detailing and bountiful amenities. The first floor includes generously sized common areas, a bowed window bay and an owner’s suite for convenient one-level living. The paneled study, conveniently located off the foyer, connects to a full bath and easily converts to a second suite if necessary. The second floor features three bedrooms, two full baths and a loft complete with kitchenette. The outdoor rooms are a focal point throughout the house: the second floor has sweeping views from the front deck and side balcony while the first floor has multiple access points to the streetscape via the living room, dining room and owner’s suite.

The original residence designed by Lyndon Buchanan Associates includes two pieces, the main house and a second building that houses a small workshop, guest room and bath. The addition is adjacent to existing work spaces, and includes shelving, drawers and nooks as well as work space that will be isolated, but adjacent to the rooms of the house, making it easier to use in connection with studio spaces and proximate to exhibition cases. The addition is sited on the north west side of the main house, in a location that does not disturb any views from other houses or from Sea Gate Road, and is designed to add a segment that provides better wind-shade, privacy and sound protection for the exterior decks on the southwest. Its roof is sloped down towards the north and into the wind, providing the most effective wind-shadow protection from the common winds, and minimizing walls facing north. Large openings on the south will bring in solar gain, to be stored in the concrete floors, which will also have radiant heating. The workspace will have access from both the house and the garden, and a small concrete pad outdoors. Project was done in collaboration with Donlyn Lyndon, FAIA.

The Portoghesi design features Italianate architecture with picturesque detailing and bountiful amenities. The first floor includes generously sized common areas, a bowed window bay and an owner’s suite for convenient one-level living. The paneled study, conveniently located off the foyer, connects to a full bath and easily converts to a second suite if necessary. The second floor features three bedrooms, two full baths and a loft complete with kitchenette. The outdoor rooms are a focal point throughout the house: the second floor has sweeping views from the front deck and side balcony while the first floor has multiple access points to the streetscape via the living room, dining room and owner’s suite.

Studio21 Architects designed this 5,000 square foot ranch home in the western suburbs of Chicago. It is the Dream Home for our clients who purchased an expansive lot on which to locate their home. The owners loved the idea of using heavy timber framing to accent the house. The design includes a series of timber framed trusses and columns extend from the front porch through the foyer, great room and rear sitting room. A large two-sided stone fireplace was used to separate the great room from the sitting room. All of the common areas as well as the master suite are oriented around the blue stone patio. Two additional bedroom suites, a formal dining room, and the home office were placed to view the large front yard.

The Portoghesi design features Italianate architecture with picturesque detailing and bountiful amenities. The first floor includes generously sized common areas, a bowed window bay and an owner’s suite for convenient one-level living. The paneled study, conveniently located off the foyer, connects to a full bath and easily converts to a second suite if necessary. The second floor features three bedrooms, two full baths and a loft complete with kitchenette. The outdoor rooms are a focal point throughout the house: the second floor has sweeping views from the front deck and side balcony while the first floor has multiple access points to the streetscape via the living room, dining room and owner’s suite.

Example of a mid-century modern gray two-story stucco house exterior design in San Francisco with a hip roof and a shingle roof

Stunningly remodeled 2-story penthouse offering everything a buyer is looking for: location, views and space. Luxury interiors with dramatic 18-foot ceilings, crown moldings, recessed lighting, hand-scraped wood floors, carrera marble countertops, custom cabinetry with self-closing hinges and stainless steel appliances. 2 large walk-in closets. Gorgeous Pool. HOA dues include EQ insurance, gas, water, and cable. 2 side by side parking spots. South facing with an abundance of natural light, great views and uniquely situated with no common walls with neighbors. Located in the highly sought after Norma Triangle - close to world class shopping, dining and entertainment.

The Portoghesi design features Italianate architecture with picturesque detailing and bountiful amenities. The first floor includes generously sized common areas, a bowed window bay and an owner’s suite for convenient one-level living. The paneled study, conveniently located off the foyer, connects to a full bath and easily converts to a second suite if necessary. The second floor features three bedrooms, two full baths and a loft complete with kitchenette. The outdoor rooms are a focal point throughout the house: the second floor has sweeping views from the front deck and side balcony while the first floor has multiple access points to the streetscape via the living room, dining room and owner’s suite.

Following the purchase of this beautiful home, we were brought on to create living spaces tailored to the needs it's new occupants and provide a much needed update. This included the kitchen, common areas, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, paint, new floors, countertops, and more. Working around a price sensitive budget for this home's full renovation was a nice challenge and our biggest accomplishment. It was essential for the finished product to be high-end, while maintaining it's functionality and durability for years to come. We accomplished this with lots research to find the same high-quality materials at the best price points, as well as alternative products of equal quality and design impact. What was once an outdated house falling short of its immense potential has since been transformed into a beautiful home perfect for both living and entertaining.

Sea Arches is a stunning modern architectural masterpiece, perched atop an eleven-acre peninsular promontory rising 160 feet above the Pacific Ocean on northern California’s spectacular Mendocino coast. Surrounded by the ocean on 3 sides and presiding over unparalleled vistas of sea and surf, Sea Arches includes 2,000 feet of ocean frontage, as well as beaches that extend some 1,300 feet. This one-of-a-kind property also includes one of the famous Elk Sea Stacks, a grouping of remarkable ancient rock outcroppings that tower above the Pacific, and add a powerful and dramatic element to the coastal scenery. Integrated gracefully into its spectacular setting, Sea Arches is set back 500 feet from the Pacific Coast Hwy and is completely screened from public view by more than 400 Monterey cypress trees. Approached by a winding, tree-lined drive, the main house and guesthouse include over 4,200 square feet of modern living space with four bedrooms, two mezzanines, two mini-lofts, and five full bathrooms. All rooms are spacious and the hallways are extra-wide. A cantilevered, raised deck off the living-room mezzanine provides a stunningly close approach to the ocean. Walls of glass invite views of the enchanting scenery in every direction: north to the Elk Sea Stacks, south to Point Arena and its historic lighthouse, west beyond the property’s captive sea stack to the horizon, and east to lofty wooded mountains. All of these vistas are enjoyed from Sea Arches and from the property’s mile-long groomed trails that extend along the oceanfront bluff tops overlooking the beautiful beaches on the north and south side of the home. While completely private and secluded, Sea Arches is just a two-minute drive from the charming village of Elk offering quaint and cozy restaurants and inns. A scenic seventeen-mile coastal drive north will bring you to the picturesque and historic seaside village of Mendocino which attracts tourists from near and far. One can also find many world-class wineries in nearby Anderson Valley. All of this just a three-hour drive from San Francisco or if you choose to fly, Little River Airport, with its mile long runway, is only 16 miles north of Sea Arches. Truly a special and unique property, Sea Arches commands some of the most dramatic coastal views in the world, and offers superb design, construction, and high-end finishes throughout, along with unparalleled beauty, tranquility, and privacy. Property Highlights: • Idyllically situated on a one-of-a-kind eleven-acre oceanfront parcel • Dwelling is completely screened from public view by over 400 trees • Includes 2,000 feet of ocean frontage plus over 1,300 feet of beaches • Includes one of the famous Elk Sea Stacks connected to the property by an isthmus • Main house plus private guest house totaling over 4300 sq ft of superb living space • 4 bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms • Separate His and Hers master baths • Open floor plan featuring Single Level Living (with the exception of mezzanines and lofts) • Spacious common rooms with extra wide hallways • Ample opportunities throughout the home for displaying art • Radiant heated slate floors throughout • Soaring 18 foot high ceilings in main living room with walls of glass • Cantilevered viewing deck off the mezzanine for up close ocean views • Gourmet kitchen with top of the line stainless appliances, custom cabinetry and granite counter tops • Granite window sills throughout the home • Spacious guest house including a living room, wet bar, large bedroom, an office/second bedroom, two spacious baths, sleeping loft and two mini lofts • Spectacular ocean and sunset views from most every room in the house • Gracious winding driveway offering ample parking • Large 2 car-garage with workshop • Extensive low-maintenance landscaping offering a profusion of Spring and Summer blooms • Approx. 1 mile of groomed trails • Equipped with a generator • Copper roof • Anchored in bedrock by 42 reinforced concrete piers and framed with steel girders. 2 Fireplaces Deck Granite Countertops Guest House Patio Security System Storage Gardens