Downtown Artist Studio ~ 300 SQFT

Located in the historic Iron Horse Neighborhood, this ADU addition set behind a 1927 home is the perfect light and airy addition to optimize the limited backyard space. Canopied porches on the south side of the studio allow for positive winter solar heat gain through the panoramic six foot paneled windows, and shade from the high sun during the summer. Masonry firewalls, superior insulation, and a high-efficiency mini-split heating and cooling system maintains maximum air-conditioned comfort in the most energy efficient way. Future water harvesting and landscaping design will ensure the rain that falls on the property stays on the property. A complexity to permitting and building this space: the design required variance approvals with the City of Tucson, neighbors, and building design to allow for reduced setbacks. 

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Midtown WHQ ~ 500 SQFT

Located in mid-town Tucson, this upcoming new ADU will function as a design studio and work space for customers and projects.  Insulated Concrete Form construction will yield the highest energy efficiency, and grouted with concrete, the long lasting durability of masonry.  With passive solar design and the addition of solar, this project will create a net-zero energy bill not only for the new ADU, but the main home built in 1952.  Water harvesting, grey water, and landscape design will replace profusive weeds with edible gardens and native plants.  A complexity to this space:  although located right in the middle of Tucson, it will need to finally abandon its septic system and connect to Pima county sewer. 

Visualizing the space

Planning the site space

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Private Retreat ~ 600-800 SQFT

Set behind an existing bungalow on an 8,000 square foot lot, this new ADU will provide the homeowner with a contemporary and spacious one bedroom home and expansive closet storage.  It will be the perfect retreat and space when mom comes out from Pennsylvania for the temperate Tucson winter.  A complexity to this space: as with most ADUs, site access behind a home or off an alley are unique challenges.

Planning the site space