San Diego ADU

PATIO A.D.U. or AN A.D.U. WITH A TREE

Patio ADU is an 1,100 s.f. ADU in Carlsbad, CA, for multi-generational living. The owners wanted to have their parents close and still have their own space. The parents wanted privacy in the ADU, to enjoy the Southern California light, and to feel that they were living in an outdoor space but not sharing the yard with their children and grandkids. Through dialogue with them, the concept of an inward-looking ADU emerged, drawing inspiration from the traditional Roman home with a central patio or courtyard.

The heart of the ADU is the central patio. It regulates and distributes the program and serves as a conduit for natural light, cross ventilation, and privacy from the backyard of the existing house. Functional spaces surround the courtyard, each thoughtfully positioned to maximize comfort and convenience. The patio dynamically transforms throughout the day, transitioning from being an integral part of the kitchen in the morning to seamlessly blending with the living space in the afternoon and offering glimpses of the serene bathroom at night.

From an environmental perspective, the courtyard creates a microclimate conducive to cross ventilation, collecting rainwater (recycled at the back of the ADU), protecting from the direct sun, and creating indirect light. Taking advantage of San Diego's climate, Patio ADU allows residents to live in an exterior space almost year-round, fostering a connection with nature while minimizing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems.

General Contractor: CalHomeCo

Interior Design: Madelene Ross