MODERN COTTAGE + ADU

A rethink of a small cottage style home located on a small corner lot in the Westside Neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California. AB design studio created a distinctly modern update & incorporated an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) while preserving the original home’s character, form and spirit. Modern Cottage is the winner of the 2016 AIA | Santa Barbara Design Awards in the Multi-Family category.

In the redesign of an existing pre-World War II single-story residence on a small corner lot, AB design studio created a distinctly modern update, while preserving the original home’s form and spirit. When the patriarch of the client’s family passed away, the client decided to complete their dream of expanding the house into a space that would support the family into a multi-generational cohabitation. After the needs of this changing family shifted to requiring additional square footage across multiple units, the architects worked carefully to design a contemporary solution. The existing home was reconstructed within the same footprint and constraints of a small corner lot, while creating interior and exterior communal spaces that are functional without excess for the entire family to enjoy. A second livable unit with covered porch, three-car garage, and mezzanine space, was incorporated into the design. By successfully marrying two building typologies, the architects carefully created a home that met the client’s needs. 

Learn more about our Modern Residential Design.

Modern-Cottage-2-(web)
ModernCottage-1-(web)
LOT SIZE 5,000 sf
PROJECT SIZE 1,470 sf
LOCATION Santa Barbara, CA
PRINCIPAL Josh Blumer, AIA
PROJECT  MANAGER Anthon Ellis
DESIGN TEAM Clay Aurell, AIA | Eric Behr | Aramis Arciga | William Reid | Jeff April | Justin Killian | Nils Hammerback | Karmen Aurell
GENERAL CONTRACTOR Beachfront Construction
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Common Ground
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Taylor & Syfan
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER  JMPE
The design solution transformed the quaint cottage into a contemporary multi-generational home reflecting the family's love for modern architecture and art. A small living unit above a three-car garage housed the owner's aging parents, while the existing home was restructured to maximize the small corner lot, fostering communal spaces for the entire family. The concept focused on clean lines, minimalism, and functional and bright spaces, responding to both the site and stunning mountain views. The design met the client's goals, providing a meaningful and functional home for the whole family.
INSPIRE | CREATE | IMPACT