Modern Accessory Dwelling Unit in Austin with Smart Passive Cross-Ventilation

A second home in your own backyard is an addition that comes in quite handy and serves a variety of purposes – from providing living space for multi-generational families to serving as a guest space and backyard escape when needed. Nestled in the historic neighborhood of Travis Heights in Austin, Texas, Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) seems capable of functioning as a standalone residence with ease as its interiors combine modern functionality with spacious design. Designed by Davey Mceathron Architecture, the ADU is draped in dark gray wood on the outside with a white garage next to it that has an open deck above.

Modern and space-conscious Chelsea ADU in Texas with a dark gray exterior








The dark wood exterior yields way to an interior that is white, minimal and does all it can to create a sense of cheerful modernity. Pops of blue greet you in the living area and the bedroom as well with the kitchen bringing the color alive. A series of blue cabinets and blue kitchen island turn the kitchen into the focal point of the open plan living. A yellow carpet in the kitchen and yellow throw pillows in the living room usher in another bright hue while the gray couch sits patiently at the heart of it all. Custom metallic mesh hides the sleek contemporary staircase that leads to the upper level with the dogtrot creating a cooling effect inside the main home. [Photography: Leonid Furmansky]

Modern kitchen inside he Texas home with bright blue cabinets and a relaxing sitting area next to it
Metallic mesh structures hide the staircase leading to the upper level of the house
Wooden floor delineates the bedroom from the bathroom next to it with patterned floor tiles
Modern bedroom in white of the Texas home with simple blue accents
Dogtrot and sheltered outdoor spaces at the Texas home
Curated modern landscape around the house adds to its contemporary appeal

Large windows are concentrated to the north side of the ADU for plenty of natural lighting while reducing the solar heat gain in the summer and encouraging passive cross-ventilation. Avgarage blocks a dogtrot and the living area of the house from the west-setting sun…

Chelsea ADU in Travis Heights after sunset
Facade of the ADU presents a contrast with dark gray and white finishes
Dark gray wooden exterior of the ADU gives it a distinct identity
Heritage trees on the lot have been left undisturbed during the building of the ADU

You’re reading Modern Accessory Dwelling Unit in Austin with Smart Passive Cross-Ventilation, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Similar Posts

  • The Leichler

    Photographer: Scott Hargis
    Architect: building Lab Our clients were young newlyweds who purchased this property in October, 2015. They were passionate about mid-century designs and all things retro and they had grand visions for their first home. They wanted it to be a standout in the neighborhood where they could entertain family and friends in style. After a thorough whole-house remodel and expansion with structural and foundation upgrades, the homeowners, who welcomed a new member (a baby boy) to the household, are now living in a completely transformed modern beauty with sleek and comfortable interiors and spacious outdoor areas. To Open or Close? We removed some walls and created an open and enlarged kitchen. To allow for maximum connection of the kitchen/dining area to the backyard, an existing post was removed and ceiling joists were extended to connect with a structural fascia. But instead of leaving a vast amount of common areas, we coopted some of those spaces to create an additional guest room/study. The same theme of openness and definition applies to the landscape design: low walls, hardscapes, outdoor kitchen, and fire pit define spaces for cooking, al fresco dining, play, and lounging. A Dining Pod
    In a bold stroke, our clients decided to forgo a formal dining area. Instead, they opted for a glorified eat-in kitchen with custom built benches and live edge waterfall table. This pod continues the strategy of capturing and articulating special areas within a large open concept. It is the core that serves myriad functions such as dining and entertaining, newspaper reading, and possible homework station in the near future. Master Pavilion A House Within A House: Instead of just expanding into the backyard horizontally, the ceiling of the newly created master suite was raised 4’. Since the addition called for reframing and building new foundations, building Lab’s designers made use of the opportunity to rethink the whole concept of this parents’ retreat. By raising the ceiling, and adding a long skylight above the head of the bed, the master bedroom is dramatically infused with natural light. The space feels expansive and tranquil, and this feeling is carried through in the master bath. The simple elegance of the master bath is achieved through both effective space planning and restrained material palettes. Most of the fixtures and cabinetry are installed on one side of this very long room. The walls on both sides are clad with Resysta®, a sustainable material made with recycled rice husks, salt, and mineral oil. The natural wood look of this cladding adds to the spa ambience and the entirely glass end wall creates a dramatic one-point perspective. All white console sink, cabinetry, and a sculptural tub complete the look.