Rosewood Retreat

Design Portfolio: “Rosewood Retreat”

Rosewood Retreat is a 800-square-foot Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) that has been thoughtfully designed and built adjacent to the property’s main house. The property’s location is ideal for families who want to stay connected while enjoying privacy and independence.

Original Vision: Peacefulness and Serenity

As you enter the Rosewood Retreat, you are immediately struck by the abundance of natural light that floods the space through the large windows. The windows offer a breathtaking view of the fruit trees on the property, creating an atmosphere of peacefulness and serenity.

The home’s open floor plan is a perfect example of contemporary interior design, providing an expansive living area with plenty of space for relaxation and entertainment. The living/dining area flows seamlessly into one another, creating an inviting space perfect for hosting family gatherings or entertaining friends.

Project Narrative

For Rosewood Retreat, the client wanted an ADU that maintained the feeling of their spacious backyard while designing in plenty of natural light.  This space was envisioned as a temporary residence family that could serve as a central spot for hosting dinners, especially during the high season of grilling and beautiful weather. Creature comforts would include designing in smart home technology from the beginning. We would also want to design an open floor concept from kitchen to the living room and ensure that the project meets the idea of being a multi-generational home.

The biggest twist for Rosewood Retreat? This Accessory Dwelling Unit would have a courtyard walkway that would connect two separate wings of the ADU. The centrally placed courtyard feature functions as a garden that would be covered in case of snow or rain. Also, this would connect the main living area from a separated primary suite. Not only does this allow for more natural lighting, but it will then remain connected to the overall backyard space.

Challenges & Solutions

1. Parking Spot Issue

   • Issue: Due to municipality rules, our DADU needed to have an additional parking spot created on site. However, the original design would require removing bushes, which was not acceptable to the client. Additionally, the proposed driveway would take up a significant portion of their lawn.
   • Solution: Through calls with the local permitting office, we explored options under the new parking requirements for DADUs that would meet the needs and preferences of the client. By working with the municipality, we settled on maintaining a spot parallel to the bushes, since a garage was not an available option.

2. Design’s Square Footage

   • Issue: Due to the original design, there were concerns about the feasibility of the project. Because of the main house’s square footage, there was a potential of losing a portion of the planned ADU.
   • Solution: The design team mocked up alternative layouts to meet code requirements and supported applications for a variance that would allow the client to maintain the shed roof style they desired.

3. Permit and Timeline Clarification

   • Issue: From the start, there was a hesitance to continue the project due to permitting concerns and the unclear timeline that process created.
   • Solution: By establishing a clear game plan and timeline early, we were able to outline the specific steps needed to complete the project and obtain the necessary permits. We included the client in detailed communication to ensure they were informed and reassured through regular updates. This allowed the client to have a consistently clear picture of where Rosewood Retreat has progressed.