ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT SOLUTION

The project enlisted the help of the renowned landscape architect, Doug Reed of Reed Hilderbrand. The landscape architect reconceived the inland side of the property to include a formal grassy “green.” Additionally, they implemented a kitchen garden adjacent to an enlarged gravel parking court seated below a shady maple line. Positioned prominently at one end are two new “outbuildings” that formally define edges of the green and parking court.

One outbuilding is an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) for guests and stands as a minimalist cube in the landscape. It is simply clad in tongue and groove cedar and punctuated with windows. The ADU mimics the clean rectangular form of the main house. The cozy quarters provide the perfect mix of privacy and visual connection to the landscape and views.

INDOOR-OUTDOOR CONNECTION

The northwestern corner features large, glazed openings to provide a visual connection out to the Westport River beyond.  At less than 500 square feet, the space is organized efficiently to accommodate living and sleeping areas. There is also a kitchenette, plenty of storage, and a full bathroom including an outdoor shower.  The other cedar-shingled outbuilding in the landscape is a garage and workshop for the Owner, a retired general contractor.

While these outbuildings serve as landscape focal points, they are much more than garden follies.  They are part of the evolution of the property and enable the Owners to continue to make memories in the lovely Westport River setting in the company of those most important to them.