Modern Backyard Cottage
CHALLENGES:
Limited Footprint: The available buildable area in the backyard was tight, requiring a highly efficient floor plan that didn't sacrifice functionality or comfort.
Privacy Concerns: Placing a second dwelling in the backyard required careful orientation to ensure privacy for both the main house occupants and the cottage residents.
Natural Light: With a smaller structure, there was a risk of the interior feeling boxy or dark, so maximizing natural light without compromising privacy was critical.
Architectural Cohesion: The client wanted a modern look that stood out on its own but didn't clash with the existing traditional style of the main home and the neighborhood.
SOLUTIONS:
Open Concept Design: We utilized an open-concept living and kitchen area with high sloped ceilings. This structural choice added vertical volume, making the compact footprint feel significantly larger and airier.
Strategic Glazing: We installed large sliding glass doors and high clerestory windows. This allowed for an abundance of natural light to flood the space while keeping sightlines above eye level where necessary to maintain privacy.
Warm Wood Facade: To bridge the modern design with the outdoor garden setting, we wrapped the exterior in a warm, horizontal wood siding. This softened the modern lines and allowed the structure to nestle naturally into the landscape.
Private Outdoor Living: We designed a dedicated concrete patio area specifically for the cottage, oriented away from the main house. This gave it its own distinct "backyard" feel, extending the living space outdoors.
Efficient Systems: The build included a dedicated tankless water heater and mini-split HVAC system, ensuring the unit is energy-efficient and entirely self-sufficient from the main house
