Located near the Humboldt ADU, this detached accessory dwelling unit in Denver’s Whittier neighborhood created extra space for a growing family of two work-from-home parents and occasional visiting grandparents, along with establishing a future source of rental income.
The narrow lot still provided several options for fitting the desired spaces into the volume allowed by Denver’s Zoning Codes.
Massing Studies
The winning option was the “Saltbox” design, which provided the most efficient floor plan and roofing design.
As with the Humboldt ADU, the clients only wanted one parking bay on the main floor, with the other half dedicated to a workout/music room. The upper level is devoted to a studio apartment, with ample storage under the north eave.
On the exterior vertically-oriented nickel gap siding contrasts’ with the main house’s Victorian brick and shingle while complementing existing outbuildings in the neighborhood.
While the upstairs will serve as a home office most of the time (replacing an unheated camper trailer), the desk is actually a queen-sized murphy bed for when visiting relatives stay in the space. In the future the owners plan to offer the upstairs as a short-term rental for a supplemental income source.
Denver’s updated zoning regulations for ADUs allow for balconies facing the alley. The owners of the Whittier ADU didn’t want a full balcony, but sliding glass doors with a railing allow for natural light and ventilation in the upstairs apartment.
If you are in the metro Denver area and are interested in adding an ADU to your property, contact me for a consultation!