T+E+A+M introduces independent, efficient accessory dwelling

 

michigan-based architecture practice T+E+A+M introduces ‘northwood ADU’, one of the first accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be built under the city’s new zoning regulations. the homeowners are the firm’s co-founders ellie abrons and adam fure, along with meredith miller and thom moran, who wanted to complete the project in order to maximize the use of their 19-acre (76,890 sqm) residential lot adjacent to a public wooded area. created as an efficient and independent addition to a pre-existing residence, the ADU is composed of low-maintenance, low-waste cladding materials incorporating frost-protected, highly insulated shallow foundation technology. 

T+E+A+M completes one of the first accessory dwelling units in ann arbor, michigan

all images © chris miele, courtesy of T+E+A+M

 

 

accessory dwellings as a solution to the housing shortage

 

ADUs are increasingly popular in cities with housing shortages since they can double the number of households on a residential lot. while their size is limited by zoning regulations, the northwood ADU reaches as far back as possible to the lot line and adds a independent 68 sqm (730 sqft) residential unit in the backyard of the existing family home.

 

the structure takes shape as a continuous shell of structural insulated panels with low-maintenance, low-waste cladding materials — metal, fiber cement board, mesh. what’s more, it is the first building in the city of ann arbor to utilize frost-protected, highly insulated shallow foundation technology common in scandinavia which allows for it to be constructed directly on the ground and reduces the need for labor-intensive site work. 

T+E+A+M completes one of the first accessory dwelling units in ann arbor, michigan

 

 

the interior of the accessory dwelling

 

regarding the interior, a single bedroom sits atop a pavilion-like structure over the kitchen. exposed LSL joists and painted brackets introduce texture and color without extraneous finishes. meanwhile, windows are located strategically to maintain privacy from the main house, but still connect the interior with the forest and the sky.T+E+A+M completes one of the first accessory dwelling units in ann arbor, michigan

T+E+A+M completes one of the first accessory dwelling units in ann arbor, michigan T+E+A+M completes one of the first accessory dwelling units in ann arbor, michigan T+E+A+M completes one of the first accessory dwelling units in ann arbor, michigan T+E+A+M completes one of the first accessory dwelling units in ann arbor, michigan T+E+A+M completes one of the first accessory dwelling units in ann arbor, michigan

 

 

 

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project info: 

 

name: northwood ADU
architects: T+E+A+M
design team: reid mauti, delaney mcraney, hannah perrino
structural team: david arnsdorf
contractor: maker design build
location: ann arbor, michigan
size: 68 sqm (730 sqft)