Exterior Design
This compact ADU presents a streamlined modern cottage look with clean lines and a chic shed-style roof. Transom windows above three sliding glass doors flood the living areas with natural light, while the modest proportions—approximately 34 ft wide by 28 ft deep—give it a grounded, approachable presence. It’s a small build that feels smart and intentional.
The combination of contemporary aesthetics and cottage comfort makes it feel like home the moment you approach—and might just tempt spontaneous coffee breaks on the porch.
Interior Layout
Inside, floor space is maximized with an open layout. The living, dining, and kitchen areas flow seamlessly under the gentle slope of the ceiling—enhanced by transom lighting that helps the space feel larger and more inviting.
Just off this communal area, you’ll find a cozy home office with a large window—perfect for quietly working or creating without sacrificing connection to the rest of the home. It’s compact and clever, for those who boundary-guard while working from home.
Floor Plan:
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
The thoughtfully placed bedroom includes two flanking closets around a window—offering equal storage and a view. It balances cozy retreat with function, and those storage zones keep everyday clutter out of sight.
Located nearby is a full bathroom complete with a linen closet, keeping essentials about arm’s length—practicality meets comfort with zero fuss.
Living & Dining Spaces
The open living area, illuminated by sliding glass doors and transom windows, invites warmth and light—not to mention flexibility for furniture layouts. It’s cozy without being claustrophobic.
Dining naturally follows in the flow from living to kitchen—ideal for quiet meals, casual hosting, or simply enjoying breakfast with a breeze through the doors.
Kitchen Features
The kitchen is anchored by a prep island that’s just the right scale for two or three stools, casual dinners, or quiet mornings alone. It’s functional and friendly, not overcrowded.
A walk-in pantry nearby ensures essentials are tucked neatly away—because a tidy kitchen is a happy kitchen.
Outdoor Living (porch, deck, patio, etc.)
A rear deck provides a perfect grilling or seating spot, seamlessly extending living outdoors. Whether it’s alfresco dinner or fresh-air reading, this deck turns compact into cozy without demanding extra foundation.
Garage & Storage
This plan doesn’t include a garage, keeping the design refined and footprint minimal. Instead, abundant storage comes from clever built-ins—closets, pantry, and the home office cubby—for a functional result that feels full, not cramped.
Bonus/Expansion Rooms
There’s no dedicated bonus room, though the efficient layout and outdoor deck provide natural space for future adaptability. A loft addition or expanded deck could become a creative studio or extra lounge area—growth-ready, without rewriting the plan.
Estimated Building Cost
The estimated cost to build this ADU in the United States ranges between $250,000 – $350,000, depending on location, labor, and material choices.
This range reflects the thoughtful design and modern amenities compressed into just under 1,000 sq ft. It’s not just about building small—it’s about designing smart.
In summary, this modern cottage ADU balances functionality and charm with bright living areas, a focused home office, a functional bedroom and pantry, plus a sweet rear deck for outdoor living. It’s compact without compromise—perfect for hosting, working, or simply enjoying thoughtful daily living in one well-designed package.
