Relevance

Across the country, the need for affordable, multigenerational, sustainably designed housing is accelerating. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—more commonly known as in-law units, secondary apartments, or granny flats—are viable mechanisms for filling this need, without dramatically changing the character of existing neighborhoods or communities. Recognizing this, the State of California recently revised crucial legislation (CA AB 1866, Wright, Gov. Code Section 65852.2) to encourage such development, and similar efforts are underway in local municipalities across the country. To date, no group—be it homebuilders, buyers, or owners—have capitalized on the potential ADUs. However, it will only be a matter of time before ADUs are the norm, rather than the exception.

Prototypical Design

Public Architecture's ADU effort grew out of the efforts of our host firm, Peterson Architects. In 2003, Peterson Architects was asked to develop a 500 sq ft detached single-story ADU prototype, using alternative materials and construction techniques.  Their proposal makes use of low cost, high-performance, and often unconventional building systems in a simple and direct low gable backyard building form. The wall system is a prefab insulated aluminum panels developed for commercial refrigeration buildings. The primary fenestration are glazed garage doors that enable the small dwelling to open to the adjacent private garden. The planted roof offers low runoff, high insulation, and is a nod to the rear yard context.

After this initial effort, Public Architecture continued work with ADUs, developing it as a more formal design campaign. In 2006, the City of Santa Cruz hired the organization in collaboration with Berkeley-based architect and planner Bruce Race of RACESTUDIO to produce a Garage Conversion Manual for the city's ADU program. The manual featured eight prototypes, which were developed by Public Architecture, as well as assistance understanding technical issues, layout, and other topics relevant to the planning and design of a garage conversion project. Both the ADU Manual and the Garage Conversion Manual can be obtained from the City of Santa Cruz by visiting the city's ADU Program website.

Comprehensive Advocacy

Public Architecture has also pursued advocacy efforts for this campaign through a variety of means including presentations at several conferences, interviews with and articles for numerous publications including the New York Times, and an advanced design studio at CCA (California College of the Arts) which produced a book focused on the broad planning and detailed design issues raised by ADU development.