Seattle DADU

This design takes advantage of the “DADU” or Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit zoning implemented in the city of Seattle. Called “The Madrone Cottage,” this backyard cottage is designed to provide a comfortable, stylish living space for an urban couple, while simultaneously meeting the prefabrication, sustainability, regional context and affordability clauses of the DADU zoning.

The Madrone Cottage is made of two prefabricated units that meet Washington State highway dimensional standards and are shipped in a single delivery. The rainscreen facade, rainwater cistern, utility closet, and carport are built on site.

The Cottage design connects its inhabitants to the unique Pacific Northwest ecosystem that sustains the Cottage as it does the Madrone tree. Shed roofs draw rainwater to a cistern, supplying water for the residents’ heating and wastewater needs. Abundant glazing brings daylight inside, reducing energy usage. Opening the upper and lower French doors encourages natural stack ventilation. Meanwhile, south-facing solar panels on the roof satisfy most of the residents’ electricity needs. A bike-port sits alongside the car-port. The design calls for natural, non-toxic, and renewable materials and finishes throughout.

Scope:

New 1 bedroom house without a specific site but designed to be adaptable to SF 7200 lots throughout the city