Making Space: ADUs for Modern Living

Explore the world of ADU design: Through engaging stories and gorgeous visuals, this practical and aesthetic design book showcases beautiful and unique ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) from around the world, describes the different ways they are used, and introduces the people who use them.

Today, we are collectively living in a “new normal.” The convergence of extreme weather events, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly shaken our sense of stability and certainty about the future. Whether by choice or by force, our lifestyles have changed. We’ve confronted unpredictable challenges, including soaring housing and living costs, and embraced innovative solutions. Cue the ADU:

• Typically described as a self-contained structure on the same property as a single-family home, ADUs range in size from 400 to 1,200 square feet.
• They generally include a kitchen, living area, and separate entrance.
• Their efficient use of residential areas, contribution to the housing pool, and provisions for additional income for homeowners make ADUs a welcome addition to life in the new normal.

Whether used as a rental property, an office, or for intergenerational housing, the ADU has never made more sense. This practical and vibrant exploration of ADUs combines beautifully photographed profiles and essays on maximizing space, aging in place, and the next generation of ADU design. Dive into the pages of Making Space to learn about and be inspired by the creativity, flexibility, and opportunities these intentional and efficient living spaces present for homeowners, designers, and urban planners.

THE BOOK WE NEED NOW: A snapshot of our current lifestyles shows that work-from-home remains prevalent, from one to four days a week; one in five households has two adult generations living together; and our aging population hopes to “age in place,” ideally providing a separate space for a live-in caregiver. As rents continue to soar, entry-level homes in urban areas become scarcer, and the cost of living increases, this is a topic ready for thorough exploration.

SMALL SPACE LIVING BOOK: For anyone who aspires to adding or living in an ADU, this coffee-table-worthy volume goes beyond utilitarian how-to permitting and building process guides to celebrate the creative spark inherent to ADU design. Add to any collection of favorite books on the tiny house movement, small-space living, and innovative home design.

Perfect for:

• Current and prospective homeowners and property owners
• Real estate professionals
• Architects, designers, builders, and urban planners
• Sustainability professionals, environmentalists, and future-minded thinkers
• Neighborhood and civic leaders and organizations

Lili Weigert traveled around the world before beginning her editorial career at National Geographic. She then spent twelve years as a brand strategist. She writes about a variety of subjects and her favorite beat, which she calls Alternative Shelter, is uncovering unexpected and surprising approaches to architecture and design. Her work has appeared in Cottage Living, Preservation Magazine, ReadyMade,Marin Magazine, California Closets’ Ideas of Order, the San Francisco Chronicle, and US News & World Report. Originally from Philadelphia, Weigert now lives in Marin County, California.