Reflecting on ADU Insights Event

• Ronnie Gor

After completing six ADU projects in Los Angeles, I felt the urge to expand my knowledge and collaborate with the ADU community. I organized an event to discuss this growing design and build trend, inviting landscape architect Cheryl Lough and author and researcher Sheri Koons, both of whom are professionals with contributions in the realm of ADUs. Joining us were other professionals and a few curious homeowners, resulting in an event that shaped itself into an open forum wherein ADU-related myths and unknown facts were answered. We were thrilled to create an exchange of ideas for the betterment of these structures and the processes that go into creating them. 

I presented three unique projects that showcased the breadth of possibilities one can achieve with these small-scale projects. As designers and architects, we strive to make these structures inviting, habitable, and comfortable. As builders, our focus is on making these ADUs safe and sound and providing good craftsmanship. As sustainability professionals, we aim to stress the importance of indoor air quality, energy efficiency, water recycling, and sustainable materials. Aside from that, we consult with our team of engineers for their input on structural and mechanical systems.

“We can provide the highest value to a project if we are brought onto the project early to coordinate with the design team concerning placement of the ADU, future design considerations and connections for the site to the ADU, coordination of stormwater management affecting the placement of the proposed ADU, and discussion on items such as Green Roofs, Greywater Recycling, and Rainwater Catchment,” says Landscape Architect Cheryl Lough.

In her book ADUs: The Perfect Housing Solution, author Sheri Koons documents various ADUs across North America, laying out different ADUs with beautiful pictures and highlighting their attributes after conversing with the homeowners. During our Q&A session, she stressed the importance of these structures for remote working purposes, renting for additional income, housing a family member who is in need, possibilities of intergenerational living, and more. 

A few questions from our audience expressed concerns regarding the placement of these ADUs alongside the main home while maintaining privacy for both the main house and the ADU. We strongly urged the audience to hire a professional team before they dive into these projects. It may appear to be a simple conversion or an addition, but the most successful and cost-friendly ADU is the one that has a strong team of professionals working on it from beginning to end. 

We also had a question about which material to use as a ground cover. Instead of artificial turf, which we do not advise due to growing health concerns about the presence of forever chemicals, we suggested using California native grass options. Native grass requires less maintenance, and less water, and is environmentally friendly. Downsizing was another idea we encouraged, which also has myriad environmental and psychological benefits.

We look forward to discussing these topics and more at future events and welcoming other professionals to add their points of view. See you next time!