This project was near and dear to us at Wheeler Design Build. Longtime family friends and neighbors decided to build an in-law unit on their property. We were brought in and immediately saw the opportunity to build a Secondary Dwelling unit (SDU or ADU) in the downhill backyard are of the lot. This would allow for a multi-generational family property and provide independent housing for the the aging parents and their kids and grandkids. Getting through the City of Oakland was a challenge to say the least, but over a years long effort and in tandem with the relaxing of the SDU regulations we were able to come up with modern, green, ultra-efficient and comfortable small house. At approximately 750sqft, it is a fully self sustained and separate house that our friends have adjusted to well and created a new home to age and share with their family and friends.
The gradual cant of the main wall is inspired by the buttressing of the back of the main house and serves as gentle curving element derived from the slowly entropy of the rigorous straight lines of the wall studs. It slopes from Zero to about 25 degrees across 60 ft length.
