Location: The unit is situated directly behind the primary house and accessed by a gravel alley in a historic waterfront district. Once known for its large fishing community of Scandinavian settlers, Ballard is now a hip, desirable spot to live. “This neighborhood is flat, which is not a common Seattle condition,” Prentis adds. “Generally, the city is relatively hilly, so building a DADU in this particular section is a little more easily accomplished.”
The before: Prentis tore down a rotting garage to make room for the new structure.
The inspiration: “Being from the Southwest, the clients wanted a space that the sun would blaze into as much as possible and remind them of home,” Prentis explains. “The roofline was modified to make a large, south-facing skylight possible.”
Square footage: 800 square feet
Budget: Approximately $260,000
Pine wood wall paneling carries through to the bedroom.
MARK WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY
A double-height bathroom with a spa-like tub provides the clients a serene spot to soak.
MARK WOODS PHOTOGRAPHYMain ingredients
Exterior: Nu-Ray Metals standing seam metal siding and tight knot cedar
Door: LaCantina Doors Aluminum Multi-Slide Door. “It is a large line item,” Prentis admits. “But they will never regret investing in it because it pulls off the look they wanted.”
Skylights: Fakro Center Pivot Roof Windows. “They’re very energy-efficient skylights that operate more like windows, which gives the loft more of a hangout vibe,” Prentis says.
Windows: Andersen Windows & Doors E-Series with dark bronze aluminum exterior and fir interior
Flooring: Radiant concrete slab
Walls: Pine plywood panels and Sheetrock. “We used the wood panels to define a lower realm and to give some scale to the high ceiling,” Prentis explains. “It’s an eight-foot line that tracks around the room, so you’re in a warm, wood living zone, and then up above you, the light flows in and bounces around the white walls.”
Cabinetry: IKEA bases and custom pine plywood fronts with cutout pulls
Countertop: IKEA EKBACKEN
Biggest splurge: “The form of the building is not straightforward, which inherently adds complexity and cost to a small project,” Prentis reveals. “There’s not an economy of scale to balance out a unique gesture.”
Sneakiest save: By taking on the role of general contractor, the homeowners saved hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The best part: “The overall form of the project is a strong resolution of what these clients wanted to do, so I appreciate its funky figure,” says Prentis.
What I’d never do again: “I would employ similar moves again,” Prentis reflects. “Occupying the space is really enjoyable, so I have no regrets.”
Final bill: Approximately $260,000
A giant sliding door unites the DADU with the clients’ treasured garden.
MARK WOODS PHOTOGRAPHY
