Exterior Design
This charming shingle-style cottage offers compact elegance with timeless appeal. Covering just 384 sq ft, its proportions (roughly 16 ft wide by 24 ft deep) feel thoughtful—not tiny, just perfectly modest. The shingle exterior and simplified cottage silhouette blend well with both garden settings and backyard landscapes.
Interior Layout
Inside, the vaulted living space—with a 9-ft vaulted ceiling—creates an airy, open feel. You step in, and suddenly the space feels much larger than its footprint. Every crucial function—living, kitchen, laundry, and bathroom—finds its place in an efficient yet humane layout.
A stacked laundry unit sits within the bathroom—functional and out of the way, ideal for compact living with big utility.
Floor Plan:
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
The home includes one cozy bedroom that fits essentials comfortably—just enough. A full bathroom ensures privacy and convenience, offering everyday comfort without wasted space.
Living & Dining Spaces
The vaulted living area is both inviting and flexible. High ceilings make the room feel airy and civil, drawing your gaze upward and keeping everything from feeling cramped. Even in a modest footprint, the space feels open and intentional.
Kitchen Features
The compact kitchen is thoughtfully integrated behind the living area and designed for efficiency. It provides essential prep zone and storage without interrupting the flow or openness of the vaulted living space.
Outdoor Living (porch, deck, patio, etc.)
This ADU does not include a porch or deck in the base plan, which reinforces its compact design. Every square foot inside is counted, keeping the living space simple and focused. It’s a plan that invites you to upgrade the outdoors later—without overcommitting now.
Garage & Storage
No garage is included—keeping the design lean. Storage is driven by efficient interior design: the closet in the bedroom, the stacked laundry, and efficient kitchen zones all contribute. It’s minimalism designed for real life.
Bonus/Expansion Rooms
There are no bonus rooms, but the vaulted ceiling gives a sense of vertical opportunity. Want to add a loft later? Maybe a compact reading nook or storage loft—it’s a simple shell with potential for thoughtful expansion.
Estimated Building Cost
The estimated cost to build this cottage in the United States ranges between $200,000 – $300,000, depending on location, labor, and material choices. This range reflects compact efficiency, quality finishes, and the charm of shingle-style design—big character in a small footprint.
In summary, this 1-bed ADU shingle cottage is a lesson in architectural efficiency. With its vaulted ceilings, compact layout, and focused design, it offers charm, comfort, and flexibility—all in just 384 sq ft. It’s a thoughtful retreat that proves small can feel substantial.
