At just under 1,000 square feet, this South Austin accessory dwelling unit (ADU) balances compactness with a generous layout for its size. Two pockets of outdoor space adjacent to the central living area are integrated into the overall organization of the house, creating an inhabitable in-between zone between the interior and the exterior. Two private rooms function either as two separate bedrooms or a combination of one bedroom and a work studio, offering flexibility for those working from home, raising a child, or hosting out-of-town guests. Openness to multiple scenarios of use was a requirement given that the house has to function as a rentable unit. This commission seeks to tactically contribute to the densification of a city with shortage of affordable housing, while also acknowledging the neighborhood’s existing laidback character. ​

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The combination of massing, materials, and fenestration produces a small building with an aesthetic that is quiet but rich; familiar yet  unexpected.