LA family turns unused garage into small home Oasis (before/after)

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  • čas přidán 25. 02. 2023
  • They were running out of space in their two-bedroom bungalow for a family of four, a home office, and frequent family visitors, so Gennifer Leong-Alvarado and Pastor Alvarado decided to copy their neighbors who had recently torn down their 1-car garage to replace it with an open-plan backyard home and garden oasis.
    They called on Rebecca Rudolph and Catherine Johnson of Design, Bitches - the same architects who had made over their neighbors' yard - and soon their tiny garage and cement driveway were being torn apart to make way for a spacious ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) and a backyard they would really use.
    Gennifer explains, “I never went behind my garage ever because it was kind of like a dead zone.” Rebecca says this is common. “What we've figured out over time is that people will go 10 feet out from their living space, so if we'd just converted the garage, they would have stayed in this section of the yard, so by putting it in the back, they'll use the whole thing."
    Today, in the former “dead zone” sits their backyard cottage that serves as Pastor’s office, as well as a home for their parents (who are frequent visitors). Their old, cement driveway is now a grass soccer field used constantly by their 10-year-old. And now, all the space between their home and the tiny home is used; there's a swimming pool, a fire pit, a covered outdoor dining area, a hammock and a boardwalk that connects the two spaces and gives the space a vacation-type feel.
    The plans for Design, Bitches' Midnight ADU has been implemented by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) as part of their Standard Plan Program so any other city residents can use the design to save on approval process fees. designbitches.com/adu-standar...
    Design, Bitches (architecture studio): designbitches.com/
    On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/la-f...
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Komentáře • 321

  • @diannshoemaker6419
    @diannshoemaker6419 Před rokem +5

    Natural greenery makes EVERYTHING DIFFERENT. BETTER. It is ALWAYS the BEST VIEW...NO bricks, concrete, steel can possibly compete.

  • @luckybearsoap
    @luckybearsoap Před rokem +97

    Exterior door directly into the shower is genius! Definitely using that design in the future!

  • @junyc85
    @junyc85 Před rokem +32

    The architect and the homeowner's voices were near identical. Impossible to tell the voices apart unless looking at the screen. Beautiful home.

    • @kimfrankwatson4688
      @kimfrankwatson4688 Před rokem +1

      totallly

    • @canieto1
      @canieto1 Před 25 dny

      So funny, you said that because I was thinking the exact same thing! Ha ha

  • @SoCalFreelance
    @SoCalFreelance Před rokem +5

    A backyard dock, that was a great way to describe it.

  • @nebulight
    @nebulight Před rokem +173

    This is one of the best ADUs I’ve seen. Very well thought out in terms of usable space not only in the adu but outside. Great job!!

    • @bluebox2000
      @bluebox2000 Před rokem +4

      ADUs are meant to increase housing units which helps check rent rates. In this particular case, they really just built an addition to their house.
      I'm hoping if there are tax incentives for ADUs, that those incentives only happen when the units are actually being used as an additional separate housing unit.

  • @christineboone2850
    @christineboone2850 Před rokem +71

    This is the very best ADU I’ve ever seen! The backyard design is equally excellent, and the boardwalk is brilliant. This is all beautiful and so functional!!

  • @tpolerex7282
    @tpolerex7282 Před rokem +13

    As a designer of several ADU’s, conversions and new builds, also in SoCa this is a wonderful composition of indoor outdoor living, materials and relationships between all the spaces. Well done!

  • @JEK
    @JEK Před rokem +5

    Rad, perfect sized pool, some fun summer vibes. Waking up out of my bed and walking out to take a plunge is my dream. Some edible gardening would be groovy. Love the ornamental grasses, DG and boardwalk.

  • @littlenest
    @littlenest Před rokem +65

    This is such a beautiful hidden gem, its like an oasis in an urban desert! ❤

  • @wanderingeye7724
    @wanderingeye7724 Před rokem +24

    Perfect for guests, a bit of privacy, change of scenery and especially work from home! I would love to have a separate place where my mindset could fully switch between Work and Off the Clock. As it is now, even though I have a nice home office, it's hard to separate the distractions on the clock and then off work I'm using the same location for entertainment. That is a great solution.

  • @patriciasalem3606
    @patriciasalem3606 Před rokem +23

    So tranquil and yet practical too. I absolutely LOVE that boardwalk. It reminds me of all my favorite waterside places. Beautifully executed.

  • @highvibe4839
    @highvibe4839 Před rokem +18

    I’m in Australia, I built a house many years ago with a door from pool and yard directly into Bathroom, I’m not alone in this, because of our warmer climate it’s so suitable, as the owner of this lovely home mentioned. Well done on catering for all of your family, young and not so young! ❤

  • @ernestinasanchez5305
    @ernestinasanchez5305 Před rokem +37

    Fantastic idea and built. Love, not only the back house but the entire backyard remodel. Beautiful patio & pool areas. The storage areas next to the main house are additionally great ideas. Thank YOU! for this wonderful video.

    • @terrylee8333
      @terrylee8333 Před rokem

      yeah if you have 750000.00 dollar not including the land lol .

  • @mikealbrecht3990
    @mikealbrecht3990 Před rokem +24

    I subscribe to several CZcams channels. This is one of the few that I look forward to watching new episodes every week. The diversity of location and design, along and creativity of the home owners is inspiring. Thank you for the high production quality and thoughtful interviews.

  • @christinaaxavier8105
    @christinaaxavier8105 Před rokem +12

    I love the layout and the ambiance that you have created in your tiny home.

  • @dk-ct6rw
    @dk-ct6rw Před rokem +5

    Beautiful layout. It just looks so peaceful. I love it. I had to re-watch.

  • @thesimpleminimalist
    @thesimpleminimalist Před rokem +5

    Omg I love this!! I live in the Midwest and we only use our small 1 car garage for unnecessary storage. We have a port next to the garage. This is so awesome to get additional space to our smalI home. I can't wait to do this to ours in the future. Never thought to do this until now! Thanks for sharing! I am inspired!

  • @pamelahall361
    @pamelahall361 Před rokem +5

    Beautiful home, fully functional and outdoor back garden is so awesome with that lovely swimming pool. I love the transformation. Well done! 👍🏾

  • @menace3507
    @menace3507 Před rokem +6

    Absolutely love this home. Such a simple concept and more thoughtful use of space/property. I love the multi-use guest house concept, I personally would do some things differently but there’s very little to complain about with how this family went about it. Very inspired.

  • @MC-dk7tr
    @MC-dk7tr Před rokem +3

    Very cool! I live down the street from this house and admire it from the street on my walks. Didn’t realize how large their back space is! Many Atwater Village homes have ADUs, which is cool but this one is amazing!

  • @jeannesutter4951
    @jeannesutter4951 Před rokem +1

    The ADU was so thoughtfully designed. It works well for their young family but also thoughtfully accessible for aging parents. Love it.

  • @scubatrucker6806
    @scubatrucker6806 Před rokem +18

    Great design idea. Years ago I've did a drawing like this and shes right you never use the back of the property unless you design something like this it gives you a purpose to the back of your property. Better use of your lot.❤❤❤❤❤

  • @AllPhillyinATX
    @AllPhillyinATX Před rokem +5

    Inspiring. So well executed. Outdoor/courtyard area is an oasis.

  • @garliclasagna
    @garliclasagna Před rokem +12

    Kirsten! thank you so much for your channel.. you continue to blow minds with your interviews of interesting and boundary pushing people.. .Love and respect from Mexico City

  • @martywilsonlife
    @martywilsonlife Před rokem +5

    This channel has, in a startling fashion, changed my life. The delightful variation of individuals highlighted with such varied focuses has led me to rethink how I live my life.
    Noting the similarities of stories helps me recognize the overarching principles to guide my life. 'Eternally grateful for all you do.

  • @buenavidaestates-livingthe6333
    @buenavidaestates-livingthe6333 Před 7 měsíci +1

    Amazing job! I miss my old craftsman in San Pedro but it was a much narrower lot! Hope you enjoy it for decades to come! ;)

  • @Alex_Plante
    @Alex_Plante Před rokem +93

    I was thinking this would only work in California's climate, then this made me think of the layout of Roman houses around an atrium, which is the opposite to how most North American and northern European houses are laid out, with a self-contained house in the middle of the lot, and surrounded by open land. In ancient Rome, and I believe in North Africa today, the house surrounds an enclosed open space, and it seems to me that when you build a second house at the back of the lot your are recreating the Roman atrium. I just looked it up, in North Africa they are called riads

    • @ichifish
      @ichifish Před rokem +17

      Yes, atriums (interior yards) are beautiful designs, and replicated in many ways around the world. We have them in traditional and some modern homes here in Japan. As in Rome the primary function is to provide a private, quiet, outdoor space in an urban setting. Unfortunately in a wet, cool climate the true roman-style atrium I've always wanted is either prohibitively expensive or preposterously small.

    • @Avar1n1us
      @Avar1n1us Před rokem +11

      We have them too in Germany in the Countryside.
      Its called "Vierseithof" wich kinda means "Foursided Building" or 4 Buildings in one.
      One was naturally for living. One were Workshops. One for maschinery and the last for the Animals.
      The bigger the "Vierseithof" the better the Land. Because better Land needs bigger Buildings and are more prosperous.

    • @chrism9294
      @chrism9294 Před rokem +6

      When I was looking for a home years ago in Southern California I came across a home that had an atrium. It was one of my favorite homes. It was a big house on a good sized lot because a lot of homes here don’t have the lot size to accommodate an atrium without seriously sacrificing indoor living space.

    • @sigmundgroth6452
      @sigmundgroth6452 Před rokem +6

      Houses in Southern Spain also are built around a large Patio and some of them also have a smaller "second Patio"; Casas Cordobesas and Casas Sevillanas, and it's also very common in Colonial Mexican Casas.

    • @echospage
      @echospage Před rokem

      @@sigmundgroth6452 Hacienda EU Spain

  • @slortie4075
    @slortie4075 Před rokem +4

    This is such a beautiful space -both the indoor and outdoor design. Great video and narration.

  • @paulapeeler3157
    @paulapeeler3157 Před rokem

    Now this is absolutely wonderful... Completely thought through. I love it!!!
    I love that you designed your space for how you live, not the tradition of a home..Smart!

  • @ifinicle
    @ifinicle Před rokem +1

    Here in CA we spend most of our time outside and in LA, it's soooo crowded, so a lot like this with this much space is a gold-mine, since it's difficult to even find a sliver of grass to take your dog outside (in most city areas). A lot of engineers and designers in So Cal really understand the need for transitional indoor-outdoor areas, since our outdoor spaces are literally an extension of our homes since sq footage is EXPENSIVE. I love this entire set up. Very neat. Thank you for sharing.

  • @narvarealestate1424
    @narvarealestate1424 Před rokem

    Simple, yet so well put together. Love the backyard and how ADU and the home are tied together with the boardwalk. Thank you for sharing this.

  • @brianemunroe
    @brianemunroe Před rokem +1

    Really well done! Love the coziness it brings to the backyard.

  • @harvard004
    @harvard004 Před rokem +1

    The ADU is super cool and smartly built. Bravo to the designers!

  • @quaddog07
    @quaddog07 Před rokem

    A lot of excellent ideas have been incorporated into this ADU build. We converted our shop into an ADU and rent it out to a friend. Well done you guys

  • @cuongtruong6043
    @cuongtruong6043 Před rokem +1

    nicely designed and well thought out. not over the top, but offers everything a family needs.

  • @marcothehammer
    @marcothehammer Před rokem +1

    Fantastic build! I thoroughly enjoy the warmth the bare plywood interior walls seem to "exude" in the night time. The simplicity of the polished concrete combine with the "plain" walls to create a very welcoming and restful atmosphere. The exterior door to the shower is really a great idea.

  • @zx5218
    @zx5218 Před rokem

    Outstanding vid as we've come to expect!! Thanks Kristen.

  • @Writer10389
    @Writer10389 Před rokem +2

    Paradise! 😍 I absolutely adore everything they did, especially the xeriscaping!! A+

  • @briankuhl9314
    @briankuhl9314 Před rokem +1

    I love how this channel features all "lived experiences". This is a broadly appealing urban space, that could be featured on a mainstream reality reno show of fairly typical nuclear family. Yet it features many of the same themes we see in rural off grid videos, and design built spaces. Simple materials used aesthetically. Using the space you have efficiently. Repurposing a 100+ year old structure to fit multipurpose current living patterns. The door to the bathroom off the pool space is pure genius. Those that watch this channel for escapist visions of minimalism might comment "boring", but for me it is part of the thread that brings binds your message into one narrative, applicable to any cultural context, economic or social situation.

  • @LoveDandD
    @LoveDandD Před rokem

    Beautiful design and peaceful lovely garden! Thanks for sharing.

  • @hgordon04
    @hgordon04 Před rokem +1

    This is absolutely beautiful.

  • @melodylyons4631
    @melodylyons4631 Před rokem +5

    Great content. Great presentations. Love your style.

  • @Trenchant468
    @Trenchant468 Před rokem +10

    Love it! I so wish ADUs were permitted in my city. I have an old one car garage and picture putting a glass garage door on the front, skylights in the roof, and chopping down the window opening to make an interior door to an addition with a wall of windows on it. Would 100% live there myself, and continue renting all of my 3 unit property to others.

    • @mikecohen2400
      @mikecohen2400 Před rokem +4

      Talk to your city, you have the right idea, the multi unit for your tenants, and the back house for you, might do it as an office/living space, with a bath, and kitchenette and see what the city says.

    • @woohoo59
      @woohoo59 Před rokem +3

      If you live in California then you’re allowed. The ADU law is a state law, not municipal. All cities are required to comply although some will attempt to fight it.

    • @Trenchant468
      @Trenchant468 Před rokem

      @@mikecohen2400 Indoor/Outdoor Dance Studio! So far the city has only recently approved owner-occupied historic designated properties to add ADU. The premise is proper maintenance and restoration is unaffordable unless there is rent to offset it. Otherwise, no. :(

  • @ryannatividad3137
    @ryannatividad3137 Před rokem +1

    Love the flexibility of the this ADU. So much flexibility for their future, as well as any future owners/renters. It really has an outdoor room, atrium, courtyard feel. When they show the neighboring houses, so many of them also have some sort of ADU as well

  • @TheFlush1980
    @TheFlush1980 Před rokem

    Beautiful landscaping, that garden looks so relaxing and serene

  • @disconnectpub
    @disconnectpub Před měsícem

    So well done. Beautiful

  • @craig_ramjet990
    @craig_ramjet990 Před rokem +1

    You could almost call the boardwalk a pier with all the sand and water surrounding it. That was the first word that came to mind when I saw this very unique property. Well done on the design.

  • @RatedArggg
    @RatedArggg Před rokem

    This is beautiful!! I love the landscaping.

  • @fishermann1102
    @fishermann1102 Před rokem

    Nice addition and garden! Thank you.

  • @annariav
    @annariav Před rokem

    Thank you for your channel. So much to learn from and be inspired by.

  • @321rydell
    @321rydell Před rokem

    I love plywood, concrete, metal, ...reminds me of modern 1950s or 60s. They expended lots of money to make this transformation but my Lord I love it!! This video gives lots of ideas for my current patio layout.

  • @robyn3349
    @robyn3349 Před rokem +3

    Beautiful!

  • @Chereese0808
    @Chereese0808 Před rokem

    Very nice.
    Love the layout of the outdoors area.
    Good thinking .

  • @tonyvargas368
    @tonyvargas368 Před rokem

    This is a fantastic use of space and reimagining of what a backyard could be.

  • @skyeseaborn1170
    @skyeseaborn1170 Před rokem

    Well done! I enjoyed the design very much.

  • @kathysalkeldbonilla6541

    Absolutely lovely!

  • @marcandreyko4251
    @marcandreyko4251 Před rokem +2

    absolutely stunning. smartly designed, stylish, and so, so well thought out. maybe the best ADU i've ever seen.

  • @TruthQuest4700
    @TruthQuest4700 Před rokem +3

    This design exhibits such a calming integration between indoor and outdoor spaces! I like the use of the exposed joists above the queen bed generating a more intimate space without closing off the volume. Beautiful!

  • @Bondebillforlife
    @Bondebillforlife Před rokem +51

    A swimming pool, fire pit, and dining spot,
    A hammock to relax, and a boardwalk to trot,
    All between the home and tiny house retreat,
    A vacation space, both cozy and neat.
    From a crowded bungalow to a backyard bliss,
    Their solution was simple, but hard to miss,
    With creativity and design, they found their way,
    And made their backyard a place to stay.

  • @hangingwithjen
    @hangingwithjen Před rokem +1

    Catherine Johnson is a mastermind! Such a great design and use of space. So multi functional and I love all the different zones between the main house, yard spaces and the ADU. It's brilliant! (She also looks like my high school friend named CARA!) ;)

  • @kailau216
    @kailau216 Před rokem

    love the combination of the gravel with the boardwalk, nice!

  • @michellejolly7325
    @michellejolly7325 Před rokem

    Beautifully executed!❤

  • @albertafu3971
    @albertafu3971 Před rokem +1

    Impressive. So amazing

  • @tinootnoot2725
    @tinootnoot2725 Před rokem +2

    I love it! Beautiful space

  • @caveatlector1591
    @caveatlector1591 Před rokem

    This looks perfect. Functional, pretty, and small house with huge space for anything

  • @dylanthomasolseadog2803

    Really nice execution and design... awesome look n feel, bingo!

  • @BrendaLee8
    @BrendaLee8 Před rokem +1

    It’s laid out beautifully

  • @user-mx4kk5mm1x
    @user-mx4kk5mm1x Před rokem

    Thanks, Kirsten!

  • @BeeeHonest
    @BeeeHonest Před rokem

    This home is absolutely charming and practical.

  • @lyl3645
    @lyl3645 Před rokem

    The yard is big! Great use of the space.

  • @NICOMEEKER
    @NICOMEEKER Před rokem

    Beautiful! I would love an adu like that one day! Great tour! ❤❤❤❤

  • @AM-ei7qk
    @AM-ei7qk Před rokem

    I love this ❤️
    Well done

  • @northernhemisphere3218

    This is stunning use of the property!

  • @CharlesGriffith1965
    @CharlesGriffith1965 Před rokem

    What an amazing design... simple but elegant

  • @panchang810
    @panchang810 Před rokem +1

    Atwater is a nice area here in CA. And yes they did great with their unused garage and backyard.

  • @bernieflorez7102
    @bernieflorez7102 Před rokem

    Best restroom layout I've ever seen hands down...

  • @Tradewindsvintagehi
    @Tradewindsvintagehi Před rokem

    This is my favorite ADu ever!

  • @archTRENDS
    @archTRENDS Před rokem

    Just beautiful!

  • @mikan12
    @mikan12 Před rokem

    This is stunning!

  • @phyllisgiardina810
    @phyllisgiardina810 Před rokem

    Very cool. Great job. Bravo….

  • @rose2525bud
    @rose2525bud Před rokem

    Absolutely beautiful 🤩👍🏻

  • @mrmann64
    @mrmann64 Před rokem +1

    This is the BEST!👍

  • @xGRASHOPAx
    @xGRASHOPAx Před rokem +1

    wow I wish my brother would build a ADU in his backyard like this. Beautiful

  • @elizabethsanchez5266
    @elizabethsanchez5266 Před rokem +1

    Amazing, my favorite ♥️

  • @ModernARQ
    @ModernARQ Před rokem

    So beautiful and functional!

  • @heidiavera5071
    @heidiavera5071 Před rokem

    Beautiful home yard and organic living

  • @robinharris4247
    @robinharris4247 Před rokem

    Outdoor space is amazing!!!

  • @phylliscraine
    @phylliscraine Před rokem +1

    Really great design. I was a little surprised the ADU bathroom had a swing door. The house we just built has an en suite bathroom behind the bedroom just like this, we installed a pocket door because it gave us more usable bathroom space than a swing door.

  • @starnejme6902
    @starnejme6902 Před rokem

    Best project. Bravo

  • @blueman5924
    @blueman5924 Před rokem

    An oasis ! Beauty ! 👍👍

  • @stacky512a
    @stacky512a Před rokem

    Brilliant. Certainly benefits from the mature trees

  • @jennieskinner3886
    @jennieskinner3886 Před rokem

    The way I wish they rented this spot out 😅🥰 beautifully done!

  • @ciscokidfab7595
    @ciscokidfab7595 Před rokem

    The color and material mix is great

  • @pearlhartney9
    @pearlhartney9 Před rokem +3

    Lovely! The back yard is gorgeous and the addition has so much future options as well as it being great right now. Love that shower that opens so it can be used for after the pool as well.

  • @AM-xv3jx
    @AM-xv3jx Před rokem

    Love your home ❤ especially your beautiful bakyard

  • @maureenk1635
    @maureenk1635 Před rokem

    One of the best!!!

  • @elwood212
    @elwood212 Před rokem +2

    This is a typicalAussie Qld reno esp the yard. I LOVE that yr flipping the bird re pool fencing…these laws are such BS. Great space.💕

  • @bigbandguru
    @bigbandguru Před rokem

    Sent this to my daughter and her husband in Tarzana giving them an idea of what can be done with a fixer upper.

  • @crazywisdom2
    @crazywisdom2 Před rokem

    LOVE this !

  • @fransirahome
    @fransirahome Před rokem

    Very Beautiful oasis ♥