Accessory Dwelling Units: What’s the Big Deal with these Small Homes?

Principal Ryan Reichman was recently featured in an article titled ‘Accessory Dwelling Units: What’s the Big Deal with these Small Homes?‘ for Rhodes Architecture + Light’s blog. The piece dives into Accessory and Detached Dwelling Units (AADUs and DADUs) in Seattle and nearby areas and explores the architectural and structural challenges that come with these types of additions.

Here’s an excerpt:

Rhodes Architecture + Light has designed and been involved in constructing many Attached and Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (AADU’s and DADU’s) in Seattle and neighboring cities. We’ve walked your Seattle area neighbors through the process of adding additional dwellings to their residences, and perhaps after learning about the multiple advantages, you’re considering this as well.

There are significant benefits of adding a dwelling (attached, detached… or both!) that deliver an impressive return on investment–both financially and in quality of life. We have years of experience bringing these unique projects to life and have a coordinated team of close consultants including building and engineering partners whose expertise ensures that our architectural vision is executed according to plan.

To provide additional expert insight on the structural aspects of ADUs, we’ve consulted with Ryan Reichman from Swenson Say Faget (SSF), a firm known for their innovative approach to engineering challenges. Their experience with diverse projects, including ADUs, makes them an invaluable resource for understanding the technical considerations involved in these structures. In this article, we’ve included a conversation with Ryan to give you a comprehensive understanding of ADUs from both an architectural and structural standpoint. But first, what is an accessory dwelling unit?

Read more on Rhodes Architecture + Light’s Blog!

More Photos