Seattle’s First Net Carbon DADU

Net Carbon DADU.png

What do you do when you need more space in your home but are reluctant to leave your neighborhood? This was the central question for the clients of our Net Carbon DADU project. They had outgrown their existing home, a modest 100 year old craftsman bungalow and worried that they would need to leave their well-loved neighborhood to find a home big enough for their increasing needs for space.

Living Shelter Architects explored the possibilities for our client to comfortably stay in their home. After going through several conventional design iterations for how to expand their space including an attic renovation and addition, we decided to explore a DADU concept as a possible way for them to add space and more fully embrace what their property had to offer.

What is a DADU?

DADU stands for detached accessory dwelling unit and is often referred to as a backyard cottage. Whereas an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is located inside or attached to a single-family home, a DADU is a secondary unit on a single-family lot that is detached from the main residence.

Seattle’s First Net Carbon DADU

Seattle First Net Carbon DADU.png

To maximize their small lot, we designed a DADU that connected the main level of their existing home, across a deck, to the main level of the new cottage, where we programed flex space that includes a small kitchen. Down a flight of stairs from there, we set a guest bedroom/workshop and full bath below grade.

All of this design was layered with deep sustainability through a close collaboration between Living Shelter and the contractor, Mighty House Construction. From the foundation, insulation, and waterproofing, to the floors, paints, and roof, nearly everything in this DADU was chosen because of its low environmental impact and high performance.

Another consultant on the project, Lucas Johnson of 475 High Performance Building Supply, estimates that this is, “Seattle’s first carbon-negative DADU.” We are hopeful, and we will discover for sure after one year of occupancy, whether or not we achieved the goal to be carbon-neutral.

This experience exemplifies what a good architectural project can have: great communication and collaborative design, flexible and creative clients, and highly skilled builders. We hope the DADU adds another 100 years to the life of this home.

Our net carbon DADU has received some fantastic attention lately. In October 2018, this project was selected for the Green Building Slam presentations. And in April 2018, the DADU was one of our projects on the The Northwest Green Home Tour.

Testimonials

Testimonials

“Living Shelter has been a pleasure to work with on our campaign project. It was clear that they really worked to create a project that was purpose built to our needs, and from a fundraising standpoint, they are always incredibly responsive to updating renderings and drawings that we've needed for donor meetings.”

—Mike Ritter, Capital Manager, Pasado's Safe Haven

“Our experience in working with Terry Phelan was exceptional! Her talents go far beyond what you would expect from a traditional architect. She has a team that truly listens to your goals, and makes them happen! In doing so, they will surprise you with unexpected spaces that impart a very comfortable feel, usually only found in older homes. In addition to designing our primary residence, the Living Shelter team also helped us with conceptual drawings for a coastal property (future build). That was a very fun project, and shows their flexibility to work with various situations. Creative, knowledgeable, professional and a joy to work with - highly recommend!”

—Michele Scaglia, Client

“We can't recommend Living Shelter highly enough. From our initial dreaming, through concept and design, and on into construction, Terry and the LS team were collaborative and creative -- committed to making our new home sustainable, livable, and beautiful. They helped us a create a healthy home that fits the site and our lifestyle.”

—Mary Huycke, Client

“I worked with Living Shelter Design to design and construct my new home in the mountains near Mt Adams in Washington. Their whole team was fantastic to work with! The design ideas presented creatively addressed my aesthetic and space needs, while also fitting within the available budget. Their flexible approach to developing the design made me feel confident that I could build the house of my dreams. The Living Shelter team was also there during construction to help assist the builder and provide the backup support to address all snafus that invariably arise while building a new home. They were so responsive and got the job done for me!”

—Kim Gilmer, Client

“As an interior designer, I have had the pleasure of working with Terry and the Living Shelter team on many projects. They are extremely professional, knowledgeable about sustainable building, and genuinely wonderful people. I highly recommend them!”

—Sandy Campbell, Entero Design

“Terry Phelan is deeply committed to reducing the environmental impact of her buildings, and her work in load bearing straw bale structures is exceptional.”

—Habib John Gonzalez, Director of Sustainable Works

“Did we tell you we love the plans? We do! You really worked magic. Thanks a lot. We are REALLY happy.”

—Judi and Scott Nicolai

“Terry has consistently demonstrated the rare combination of tenacity, caring, and professionalism throughout.”

—Jane Bakken and Jack Fecker