modern granny flat's garage conversion creates a flexible living space in san diego

in collaboration with ramiro losada-amor and prismatica, the design team at modern granny flat has converted an existing garage in san diego into a flexible and adaptable dwelling. the project was commissioned by a client who had just purchased a large house for their parents and another relative to live in with the idea of remodelling the existing garage into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for themselves.

all images © modern granny flat

considering the brief from the client, the new living space was designed by modern granny flat to integrate three main aspects: flexibility to change the configuration, work space with ample storage and water savings. the garage conversion has therefore been developed in such a way that it can quickly adapt to accommodate one or several people at a time, and to allow for different family structures in the future.

rather than build traditional, solid partitions to divide space, the design team has employed ‘tools’, such as operable panels, to delineate the floor plan. at the entrance there is a large bookcase with a bed integrated, which allows the living space to be transformed into a guest bedroom. the kitchen can also be adapted and expanded with the use of a mobile island, while a folding workstation and sliding shoe cabinet in the master bedroom provide clever space-saving techniques.

the new intervention effectively takes the form of a box, which houses the plumbing for the kitchen, part of the storage areas and the bathroom with three skylights. with its central location, this box means the rest of the space is freed up, allowing more flexibility. to meet the client’s water savings stipulation, the design also includes outdoor containers to collect rainwater, and the shower, sink and laundry water is treated with a grey water system that can be reused in the garden.