Madison Street Duplex and ADU

With the purchase of a rare empty lot, previously installed with a track for a mini steam train, this Albany family hoped to develop it into an income property. Their vision was to build a thoughtful duplex and additional dwelling unit (ADU) designed from the ground up, one that they would see from their home next door. 

The duplex property was to be in a traditional bungalow style with separate apartments on the first and second floors. The first floor, containing a one bed/one bath unit, allows for more compact living, while the second floor unit, with two bedrooms and a bath, allows for a small family. Both units have internal laundry facilities, public spaces appropriately scaled to the number of dwellers, and light-filled rooms that look back onto the shared garden. 

Outside, the stucco upper level and siding lower level play with texture and shadow. Wood trellises and details at the rear relate to the slatted wood garage door on the front, screening the required parking. A minimalist steel stair connects the two units and completes the design.

The ADU at the rear of the garden provides an additional one bed/one bath unit.