A picture of the American home for the last 100 years: A single house stands out on a hill, or in a field, or 30 feet back from a sidewalk on a freshly mowed grassy lawn. There is a strip of trees bordering the property. Enough space to create extreme privacy and a sense of independence. As you get closer and closer to urban areas, the lots start to shrink, and we begin to see fences surrounding properties, more and more street and driveway parking, more compact intricate landscaping, and sheds. Rarely you see two units on a lot in the USA. The history of additional dwelling units (ADUs), also known as accessory dwelling units or secondary suites, in the United States has been shaped by a complex interplay of zoning regulations, cultural norms, and evolving perspectives on housing affordability and urban density. The times are changing, and ADU's are being written into both local bylaws and State law for the first time.
In the early 20th century, many cities adopted single-family zoning laws that effectively prohibited the construction of ADUs. These laws were rooted in a desire to preserve the suburban ideal of detached, single-family homes and maintain a sense of exclusivity and privacy. The cultural notion of the nuclear family living in a separate, self-contained dwelling unit became the norm, and ADUs were seen as a threat to this paradigm. A history of racial and working-class segregation has been embodied into the laws of most communities that protect exclusive single-family domain.
Typical Single Family vs. Two-Family Design:
Many issues today are changing how we think and feel about accessory dwellings. To name a few; multi-generational living is more culturally normal, a huge housing shortage for rentals, condos, and homes, and the appreciation for multi-functional spaces whether it's a pandemic influenced home office or a guest house. People today have seen all of the permanent influences they will face in their lifetime, and have realized accessory dwelling units are beneficial to living a better life as a family and a community. Proponents argued that allowing homeowners to build secondary units on their properties could provide affordable housing options, increase housing stock, and generate supplemental income for homeowners.
Many jurisdictions in the US do not allow detached dwellings, as shown below.
It is important to note that the concept of multiple dwelling units has been the standard of most non-USA cultures since time immemorial. In the United Kingdom, for instance, the concept of "granny flats" or "annexes" has been prevalent for decades. These are self-contained living spaces, either attached to the main house or detached, designed to accommodate elderly relatives or extended family members. The practice allows for multi-generational living while maintaining a degree of independence and privacy for all parties involved.
(Granny Flat by GF Architecture)
Similarly, in France, it is not uncommon to find properties with "gîtes" or "chambres d'hôtes," which are essentially secondary units or guest houses on the same property as the main residence. These units were traditionally used to accommodate farm workers or as income-generating vacation rentals, but they have also served as supplementary living spaces for extended families.
(image of French Guest Countryhouse, author unknown)
There are plenty of European versions we could point to; German "Nebengebäude" (ancillary buildings), Netherlands "bijgebouwen" or "aanleunwoningen," which are secondary units attached to or located on the same property as the main dwelling. Italian "casali", and more.
(Italian "casali" rental in Tuscany.)
In many parts of Western Europe, the acceptance of ADUs has been facilitated by cultural norms that value multi-generational living, as well as practical considerations such as housing affordability and efficient use of urban land. Additionally, some countries have implemented specific zoning regulations and building codes that allow for the construction of ADUs under certain conditions, recognizing their potential benefits for housing diversity and density.
Courtyard Variation
The goals outlined previously that 'ADU's address can be done in many different formats and fashion and have been throughout the world for a very long time. One of the most elegant designs are what we call 'courtyard homes'. In some formats, the courtyard is surrounded by balcony. In other formats the courtyard is created by multiple buildings. Let's take a look.
(Haveli type building with courtyard style center in India)
(Spanish Hacienda style courtyard)
(Tuscan Style Courtyard Home in Texas by SIMS Builders)
(Beijing Hutong 'Courtyard House Model)
(Modernized Beijing hutong courtyard)
Some explorations into the format of courtyard houses in a typical suburban lot with one or two garages:
The shift in perspective towards ADUs in the United States can be viewed as a recognition of the global cultural diversity and a move towards more sustainable and inclusive housing practices. By allowing ADUs, cities can embrace the benefits of increased density, affordability, and multi-generational living arrangements, while also respecting individual privacy and autonomy.
As the demand for affordable housing continues to grow, and concerns about environmental sustainability and urban sprawl become more pressing, the case for ADUs becomes increasingly compelling. Many cities and states have already started to relax zoning restrictions and provide incentives for the construction of ADUs, recognizing the potential benefits they offer in terms of housing affordability, density, and cultural diversity.
Some of the Accessory Dwellings Units by Studio North Homes:
(Skyline ADU by Studio North Homes)
(Accessible Flat-house by Studio North Homes)
(Studio by the Bay, ADU by Studio North Homes)
(Ipswich Bungalow + ADU designed at Savoie Nolan Architects)
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