Houses By Design

Austin ADU

This 549-sq.-ft. upstairs ADU is made more spacious with a wide wraparound porch.

By Janice Rohlf Issue 326 - October 2024

Replacing the main house’s carport created the opportunity to build this upstairs Austin, Texas accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Used mainly as a guest house and a writer’s retreat, it offers a quiet sanctuary tucked away in a busy West Austin neighborhood. The space features 549 sq. ft. of conditioned space was efficiently planned to comprise a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area.

Wrapping around the ADU, a generous 350-sq.-ft. porch increases the perceived spaciousness of the building, as do large windows and varying ceiling heights that range from 9 ft. to 15 ft. The exterior features a mix of wood and fiber-cement siding and asphalt shingles on the roof. Interior finishes include post-oak flooring, handmade ceramic tile, stone countertops, and custom millwork wainscoting.

A photo of an Austin, Texas accessory dwelling unit painted off-white featuring a wrap-around porch.
To deal with the challenging terrain—a steep woodland hill, a sloping driveway, and utility lines—the approach to the house is via a winding path up the hill to the porch. Then, a small bridge connecting the path and porch to the house negotiates the difference in terrain and provides an experiential cue of transitioning to a secluded and protected environment cozily furnished with found pieces and family treasures.

Architect

McKinney York Architects

 Builder

MG Construction Works

 Location

Austin, Texas

 Photos

Andrea Calo

— Written and curated by Janice Rohlf

From Fine Homebuilding #326

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