Our client’s goal was to create a small, high-performance, healthy home for herself and her teenage son while providing a place for her father to age in place. An attached private accessory dwelling provides a space for him as well as flexibility in the future. The new home was designed to minimize its footprint on site, made smaller than the original 1930’s house. Embracing adaptability and efficiency, the residence includes two dwellings: a one-bedroom 795 square-foot accessory dwelling at the lower grade and a two-story 1330 square-foot primary dwelling located above. Involved in all aspects of project execution, our client oversaw the process by living in a used trailer parked in the backyard throughout the project’s construction. Family-Share focused on maximizing the footprint’s performance, access to natural light and the health of the occupants. Sustainable features include high-performance glazing, solar preheat for domestic and hot water in-floor heating and reclaimed fir car decking rainscreen siding.

First home, savvy art owners, decided to hire RBD to design their recently purchased two story, four bedroom, midcentury Diamond Heights home to merge their new parenthood and love for entertaining lifestyles. Hired two months prior to the arrival of their baby boy, RBD was successful in installing the nursery just in time. The home required little architectural spatial reconfiguration given the previous owner was an architect, allowing RBD to focus mainly on furniture, fixtures and accessories while updating only a few finishes. New paint grade paneling added a needed midcentury texture to the entry, while an existing site for sore eyes radiator, received a new walnut cover creating a built-in mid-century custom headboard for the guest room, perfect for large art and plant decoration. RBD successfully paired furniture and art selections to connect the existing material finishes by keeping fabrics neutral and complimentary to the existing finishes. The backyard, an SF rare oasis, showcases a hanging chair and custom outdoor floor cushions for easy lounging, while a stylish midcentury heated bench allows easy outdoor entertaining in the SF climate. Photography Credit: Scott Hargis Photography

Perfectly settled in the shade of three majestic oak trees, this timeless homestead evokes a deep sense of belonging to the land. The Wilson Architects farmhouse design riffs on the agrarian history of the region while employing contemporary green technologies and methods. Honoring centuries-old artisan traditions and the rich local talent carrying those traditions today, the home is adorned with intricate handmade details including custom site-harvested millwork, forged iron hardware, and inventive stone masonry. Welcome family and guests comfortably in the detached garage apartment. Enjoy long range views of these ancient mountains with ample space, inside and out.

Large windows facing the small private yard make this living room feel like a tree-house
Example of a small trendy open concept light wood floor living room design in Philadelphia with white walls and a tv stand

Jagoe Homes, Inc. Project: The Orchard, Ozark Craftsman Home. Location: Evansville, Indiana. Site: TO 1.
Example of a bedroom and mid-sized transitional boy carpeted kids' bedroom design with beige walls

Beach style bedroom photo in Miami

What began as a renovation project morphed into a new house, driven by the natural beauty of the site. The new structures are perfectly aligned with the coastline, and take full advantage of the views of ocean, islands, and shoals. The location is within walking distance of town and its amenities, yet miles away in the privacy it affords. The house is nestled on a nicely wooded lot, giving the residence screening from the street, with an open meadow leading to the ocean on the rear of the lot. The design concept was driven by the serenity of the site, enhanced by textures of trees, plantings, sand and shoreline. The newly constructed house sits quietly in a location advantageously positioned to take full advantage of natural light and solar orientations. The visual calm is enhanced by the natural material: stone, wood, and metal throughout the home. The main structures are comprised of traditional New England forms, with modern connectors serving to unify the structures. Each building is equally suited for single floor living, if that future needs is ever necessary. Unique too is an underground connection between main house and an outbuilding. With their flowing connections, no room is isolated or ignored; instead each reflects a different level of privacy and social interaction. Just as there are layers to the exterior in beach, field, forest and oceans, the inside has a layered approach. Textures in wood, stone, and neutral colors combine with the warmth of linens, wools, and metals. Personality and character of the interiors and its furnishings are tailored to the client’s lifestyle. Rooms are arranged and organized in an intersection of public and private spaces. The quiet palette within reflects the nature outside, enhanced with artwork and accessories.

The Angelino ADU is a two-story ADU in Burbank, California, designed as a two-bedroom accessory dwelling unit that balances privacy, natural light, and efficient residential living on a constrained site. Positioned between two existing units, the project places a 1,000-square-foot upper-level residence above a generous three-car garage, creating a well-resolved living environment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen. The design was shaped by the challenge of building alongside taller multifamily structures, where privacy, daylight, and ventilation all had to be carefully considered. Strategic window placement and thoughtfully located skylights bring natural light deep into the interior while maintaining a strong sense of seclusion. This approach also supports cross ventilation throughout the living spaces, contributing to a more comfortable and functional home. Rather than treating the ADU as a secondary structure, the project was designed as a complete residential environment with a clear emphasis on livability, efficiency, and contemporary use. The result is a thoughtfully planned Burbank accessory dwelling unit that responds to site constraints with practical spatial organization, natural light, and everyday comfort.

This 800 square foot Accessory Dwelling Unit steps down a lush site in the Portland Hills. The street facing balcony features a sculptural bronze and concrete trough spilling water into a deep basin. The split-level entry divides upper-level living and lower level sleeping areas. Generous south facing decks, visually expand the building's area and connect to a canopy of trees. The mid-century modern details and materials of the main house are continued into the addition. Inside a ribbon of white-washed oak flows from the entry foyer to the lower level, wrapping the stairs and walls with its warmth. Upstairs the wood's texture is seen in stark relief to the polished concrete floors and the crisp white walls of the vaulted space. Downstairs the wood, coupled with the muted tones of moss green walls, lend the sleeping area a tranquil feel. Contractor: Ricardo Lovett General Contracting Photographer: David Papazian Photography

The Angelino ADU is a two-story ADU in Burbank, California, designed as a two-bedroom accessory dwelling unit that balances privacy, natural light, and efficient residential living on a constrained site. Positioned between two existing units, the project places a 1,000-square-foot upper-level residence above a generous three-car garage, creating a well-resolved living environment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen. The design was shaped by the challenge of building alongside taller multifamily structures, where privacy, daylight, and ventilation all had to be carefully considered. Strategic window placement and thoughtfully located skylights bring natural light deep into the interior while maintaining a strong sense of seclusion. This approach also supports cross ventilation throughout the living spaces, contributing to a more comfortable and functional home. Rather than treating the ADU as a secondary structure, the project was designed as a complete residential environment with a clear emphasis on livability, efficiency, and contemporary use. The result is a thoughtfully planned Burbank accessory dwelling unit that responds to site constraints with practical spatial organization, natural light, and everyday comfort.

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) sited on the only other buildable location on a 20-acre lot. This industrial mountain modern cabin was built first with the main cabin to follow.

The Angelino ADU is a two-story ADU in Burbank, California, designed as a two-bedroom accessory dwelling unit that balances privacy, natural light, and efficient residential living on a constrained site. Positioned between two existing units, the project places a 1,000-square-foot upper-level residence above a generous three-car garage, creating a well-resolved living environment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen. The design was shaped by the challenge of building alongside taller multifamily structures, where privacy, daylight, and ventilation all had to be carefully considered. Strategic window placement and thoughtfully located skylights bring natural light deep into the interior while maintaining a strong sense of seclusion. This approach also supports cross ventilation throughout the living spaces, contributing to a more comfortable and functional home. Rather than treating the ADU as a secondary structure, the project was designed as a complete residential environment with a clear emphasis on livability, efficiency, and contemporary use. The result is a thoughtfully planned Burbank accessory dwelling unit that responds to site constraints with practical spatial organization, natural light, and everyday comfort.

The Angelino ADU is a two-story ADU in Burbank, California, designed as a two-bedroom accessory dwelling unit that balances privacy, natural light, and efficient residential living on a constrained site. Positioned between two existing units, the project places a 1,000-square-foot upper-level residence above a generous three-car garage, creating a well-resolved living environment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a full kitchen. The design was shaped by the challenge of building alongside taller multifamily structures, where privacy, daylight, and ventilation all had to be carefully considered. Strategic window placement and thoughtfully located skylights bring natural light deep into the interior while maintaining a strong sense of seclusion. This approach also supports cross ventilation throughout the living spaces, contributing to a more comfortable and functional home. Rather than treating the ADU as a secondary structure, the project was designed as a complete residential environment with a clear emphasis on livability, efficiency, and contemporary use. The result is a thoughtfully planned Burbank accessory dwelling unit that responds to site constraints with practical spatial organization, natural light, and everyday comfort.

These contemporary accessory dwelling unit plans deliver an indoor-outdoor living space consisting of an open-plan kitchen, dining, living, laundry as also include two bedrooms all contained in 753 square feet/70 square meters. The design also incorporates 452 square feet/42 square meters of alfresco and terrace sun drenched external area are ideally suited to extended family visits or a separate artist’s studio. The size of the accessory dwelling unit plans harmonize with the local authority planning schemes that contain clauses for secondary ancillary dwellings. When correctly orientated on the site, the raking ceilings of the accessory dwelling unit plans conform to passive solar design principles and ensure solar heat gain during the cooler winter months. The accessory dwelling unit plans recognize the importance on sustainability and energy-efficient design principles, achieving passive solar design principles by catching the winter heat gain when the sun is at lower azimuth and storing the radiant energy in the thermal mass of the reinforced concrete slab that operates as the heat sink. The calculated sun shading eliminates the worst of the summer heat gain through the accessory dwelling unit plans fenestration while awning highlight windows vent stale hot air along the southern elevation employing ‘stack effect’ ventilation.

Set within a wooded landscape, the Millwick Pool House and Guest House expand upon the original courtyard residence with a series of carefully scaled accessory structures. A new pool and pavilion extend daily life outdoors, strengthening the dialogue between architecture and trees. Nearby, the guest house introduces a pop-up dormer and clerestory windows that bring generous light into a compact footprint, creating a lofted retreat that feels both intimate and expansive. Together, the additions deepen the home’s connection to its forested setting while reinforcing the clarity and sculptural character of the original design.

Toronto's Premier Luxury Custom Home Builders We are a Toronto based, developer, builder and custom home specialist serving Toronto & Greater Toronto Area clients., toronto luxury home builders, toronto luxury homes, toronto custom homes, luxury custom homes, luxury design, luxury homes, huge homes, design, luxury amenities, elevator, luxury staircase, As a Tarion registered builder we stick to the highest of the standards in all of our developments making it a home for life for our clients. Our philosophy is to craft homes that welcome those who enter, designed for people & not for our egos. Our aim is to design & build the buildings of the future. Services Provided Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Custom Home, Demolition, Energy-Efficient Homes, Floor Plans, Foundation Construction, Green Building, Guesthouse Design & Construction, Historic Building Conservation, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, Home Restoration, House Framing, House Plans, Land Surveying, Multigenerational Homes, New Home Construction, Pool House Design & Construction, Project Management, Roof Waterproofing, Site Planning, Site Preparation, Structural Engineering, Sustainable Design, Universal Design, Waterproofing

Toronto's Premier Luxury Custom Home Builders We are a Toronto based, developer, builder and custom home specialist serving Toronto & Greater Toronto Area clients., toronto luxury home builders, toronto luxury homes, toronto custom homes, luxury custom homes, luxury design, luxury homes, huge homes, design, luxury amenities, elevator, luxury staircase, As a Tarion registered builder we stick to the highest of the standards in all of our developments making it a home for life for our clients. Our philosophy is to craft homes that welcome those who enter, designed for people & not for our egos. Our aim is to design & build the buildings of the future. Services Provided Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Custom Home, Demolition, Energy-Efficient Homes, Floor Plans, Foundation Construction, Green Building, Guesthouse Design & Construction, Historic Building Conservation, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, Home Restoration, House Framing, House Plans, Land Surveying, Multigenerational Homes, New Home Construction, Pool House Design & Construction, Project Management, Roof Waterproofing, Site Planning, Site Preparation, Structural Engineering, Sustainable Design, Universal Design, Waterproofing

Toronto's Premier Luxury Custom Home Builders We are a Toronto based, developer, builder and custom home specialist serving Toronto & Greater Toronto Area clients., toronto luxury home builders, toronto luxury homes, toronto custom homes, luxury custom homes, luxury design, luxury homes, huge homes, design, luxury amenities, elevator, luxury staircase, As a Tarion registered builder we stick to the highest of the standards in all of our developments making it a home for life for our clients. Our philosophy is to craft homes that welcome those who enter, designed for people & not for our egos. Our aim is to design & build the buildings of the future. Services Provided Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Custom Home, Demolition, Energy-Efficient Homes, Floor Plans, Foundation Construction, Green Building, Guesthouse Design & Construction, Historic Building Conservation, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, Home Restoration, House Framing, House Plans, Land Surveying, Multigenerational Homes, New Home Construction, Pool House Design & Construction, Project Management, Roof Waterproofing, Site Planning, Site Preparation, Structural Engineering, Sustainable Design, Universal Design, Waterproofing

Toronto's Premier Luxury Custom Home Builders We are a Toronto based, developer, builder and custom home specialist serving Toronto & Greater Toronto Area clients., toronto luxury home builders, toronto luxury homes, toronto custom homes, luxury custom homes, luxury design, luxury homes, huge homes, design, luxury amenities, elevator, luxury staircase, As a Tarion registered builder we stick to the highest of the standards in all of our developments making it a home for life for our clients. Our philosophy is to craft homes that welcome those who enter, designed for people & not for our egos. Our aim is to design & build the buildings of the future. Services Provided Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Custom Home, Demolition, Energy-Efficient Homes, Floor Plans, Foundation Construction, Green Building, Guesthouse Design & Construction, Historic Building Conservation, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, Home Restoration, House Framing, House Plans, Land Surveying, Multigenerational Homes, New Home Construction, Pool House Design & Construction, Project Management, Roof Waterproofing, Site Planning, Site Preparation, Structural Engineering, Sustainable Design, Universal Design, Waterproofing