Smith-Gillman Cottage

SEATTLE DADU — BACKYARD COTTAGES — MISSING MIDDLE HOUSING

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

This 650 square foot, single-story backyard cottage includes amenities of a larger home, in a modest scale, open and airy residence. The owners looked to Seattle’s ADU ordinance as an opportunity for their parents to age in place.

The one-bedroom cottage is designed around a shared outdoor deck, connecting the kitchens of the cottage and main home. Clerestory windows in the greatroom and bathroom fill the cottage with ample natural light while maintaining privacy of the living spaces from neighboring lots. The bedroom wing is oriented to impede direct view lines from the primary home. Full height patio doors look into a pocket ‘zen garden,’ maximizing a narrow space that would otherwise lie dormant. 

Square feet: 650

Green Design: Compact living, daylighting, efficient siting, and use of resources

See the Seattle Backyard Cottage Legislation signing at the Smith-Gillman Cottage