Have you ever thought about the potential of converting your unused garage into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? ADUs are essentially independent living units located on the same lot as the primary residence. While they may be referred to as “accessory” dwellings, they serve a much more significant purpose than the term suggests. ADUs are essentially like having an extra home next to or near your main residence and offer a wide variety of uses.
In Portland, Oregon, one individual named Martin Brown set out on a journey to create an ADU that would serve as a unique living space for his family. Martin always enjoyed the city life of Portland, where he raised his family. However, when his family grew after the arrival of his son Sebastian, his mother-in-law expressed a desire to be around to witness the joys of her grandchild’s growth.
Instead of buying a new house, Martin came up with an ingenious alternative – to convert their garage into a comfortable living space for his mother-in-law. This garage to ADU conversion involved a complete overhaul and redesign of the space to accommodate all the essential living spaces.
Martin thought about turning their garage into a granny flat as an alternative to buying a new house.
It is a comfortable house with all the necessities.
They completely remodeled and remodeled the house to make room for basic living spaces.
They managed to get it working despite its size and it was even bigger than expected.
To give the impression that this is another residence, they also built a path and some flower pots.
The moment you enter the house, you get this warm, cozy feeling.
The sofa bed, which can be converted into a guest bed if needed, is cozy enough to sit on while relaxing and enjoying the view from the glass doors.
There is a fireplace to keep things warm and cozy.
In this case, the kitchen was not threatened.
There is a full-sized refrigerator, two cooking burners and one sink. There are no cupboards, but there are enough shelves to keep things open and accessible.
All crockery, cutlery and pots are stored on hanging racks which are also great for drying.
The loft bedroom upstairs has a double bed and a reading nook.
The space-saving design was also used for the staircase leading to the bedroom.
It can cover the entire height without taking up much space because the stairs have alternating steps. Let’s just hope Grandma uses it for a long time to come!
A tiny door right next to the staircase leads to a solitary bathroom.
The trick to making this ADU look spacious is to let in as much light as you can.
No windows were installed to ensure a sense of privacy, but large glass doors and skylights brightened the space.
Even the kitchen, which had an attic above it, has a glass window through which light from the attic skylight can enter the room.
Martin made sure that the house would still have a vestige of his previous design.
One aspect that gives this ADU its character is Martin’s commitment to preserving elements of its original design. The only external modification to the structure was a new coat of paint, which preserved the original aesthetics of the garage from the 1920s. Additionally, the original concrete floor was retained to provide a sturdy foundation for the ADU. Antique hardware and locks salvaged from an old garage were thoughtfully incorporated along the kitchen counter, completing the rustic-industrial style.
With the success of Martin’s garage-to-ADU conversion, you may find yourself considering the possibility of creating such a fantastic living space for your parents, in-laws, or even yourself. ADUs offer a unique and versatile solution for utilizing unused space and providing independent living within the same property. The flexibility of ADUs makes them a valuable addition to any homeowner’s portfolio, offering a range of customization and personalization options. So if you have an unused garage or space on your property, it may be time to explore the exciting world of ADUs and discover the potential for creating a cozy and functional living space right in your own home.