Contemporary house with blue paneling and sloped roof, featuring a large floral mural on the front wall. Illuminated windows suggest interior lighting. Outdoor area includes a brick patio and small lawn.

Washington ADU

  • This new construction detached ADU in SE Portland was designed to be a standout in both form and function. In collaboration with Beebe Skidmore, the goal was to create an innovative, efficient living space that embraced bold design choices while maximizing functionality.

    The project began with the demolition of an existing garage, making way for a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom ADU with a versatile “storage” loft. Built on a slab-on-grade foundation, the structure utilized SIPs (structurally insulated panels) for both the walls and the steeply pitched roof. The dramatic 12/20 roofline gave the building a striking presence, creating a soaring interior reminiscent of a mini-cathedral. Designed to be “visitable,” the space features an ADA-compliant bathroom for accessibility. The final footprint measures 585 square feet on the first level and 666 square feet including the loft.

    Bold colors and playful design elements bring energy to the ADU’s interiors. A bright yellow ladder, bedroom pocket door, and bathroom accents inject personality, while alternating black-and-white bath tiles and multi-colored laminate kitchen cabinets (in green, light/dark blue, purple, and red) create a dynamic visual experience. The dramatic interior is matched by an equally eye-catching exterior—blue walls and roofing are complemented by large-scale murals on both gable ends. Extensive hardscaping, including a cedar fence and custom bike lockers, enhances both function and curb appeal.

    Significant pre-design work ensured the successful implementation of SIPs, which required precise coordination among the team. Tight site conditions and a tricky installation meant that maneuvering panels with a telehandler took careful planning. Midway through the install, an unexpected snowstorm added another layer of complexity—OSB panels swelled from the wet weather, making precise fits more challenging. Despite these hurdles, the team adapted, problem-solved, and delivered a high-quality build.

    This project was as rewarding as it was challenging, offering invaluable experience with SIPs construction and innovative small-scale design. The end result is a one-of-a-kind ADU—visually striking, highly functional, and built to inspire. This project stands as a testament to the power of creative problem-solving and bold design in Portland’s evolving urban landscape.

  • Architect: Beebe Skidmore Architects
    Structural Engineer: Structural Edge Engineering
    Photographer: Attune Architecture

Colorful mural painted on the facade of a small A-frame building, featuring large pink flowers, orange circles, and a rope design.
Blue triangular-roofed building with a small window and vents, wooden fence in foreground, sky and power lines above.
Modern blue house with sloped roof and floral mural
House exterior with blue siding and roof, featuring a colorful mural with flowers and abstract shapes next to a glass door.
Modern kitchen with mint green cabinets, stainless steel appliances, black countertops, and a bowl of fruit. Adjacent to a hallway with a large window, and a red bench with jars on it.
Minimalist kitchen with green cabinets, stainless steel appliances, yellow sliding door, and a red bench.
Modern kitchen with colorful cabinets, stainless steel refrigerator and oven, blue and green cabinetry, a sink with a tall faucet, and a bowl of fruit on the counter.
Bathroom with yellow walls, turquoise toilet, black-and-white checkered shower wall, and toilet paper holder.
A room with white walls and a black and white checkered floor. There is a small, wall-mounted shelf with a blue circular decoration above it. An electrical outlet is visible on the right wall.
A-frame house with colorful mural featuring large pink flowers, yellow circles, and a rope design under a blue sky with moon visible. Wooden fence surrounding the property and neighboring building partially visible.
Colorful mural with flowers on a triangular house wall in a residential alley with trees and parked cars.
Colorful mural on building featuring large flowers and geometric shapes with a window showing interior lighting.