In 2012, the New York Times reported that 18% of American households are multi-generational - with more than one adult or pair of adults living together. As a result, the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) is growing steadily.

Accessory dwelling units are second houses built on single family lots, allowed by specific exception to most single family zoning ordinances.

At Warmmodern Living, we explore the notion of a detached or semi-attached independent living unit with every client.

These clients are proving that efficiency does not require sacrificing priorities. 

A professional couple want to live on one level with their young children but look to the day when the kids will require more space and privacy.  A home office for the work-at-home-designer and a bedroom for frequently visiting grandparents are immediate necessities.  The program also includes a spacious great room and master suite with added volume and two car garage.  Energy efficiency is also a priority.

The Elements Austrina 2765 served as the perfect starting point.

The process of designing and building a one-of-a-kind home conventionally can take years.  Not so at Lindal and Warmmodern Living, where our modern planning process and building system make efficient use of time...and our clients' budgets.

Check out my iPhone pics and chronology of a 5,000 square foot, totally custom modern barn that Warmmodern Living designed and Lindal produced for a young Brooklyn family, completed a few weeks ago in Southampton, New York.

To see photos and the process click below...

Eight weeks (and two Nor-East blizzards) after delivery, ready to be wrapped in blue metallic ribbed steel and clear cedar on the exterior and sheet rocked on the interior. A totally custom design, now only seven months from meeting the client for the first time.

This is not a photo of a UFO. 

This photo was taken in Kirkland, Washington at 5 pm on November 17.

I had an appointment with a client to re-stake her custom Lindal design on the site so that her civil engineer could verify the house location for permitting purposes. The builder would meet us on site for the siting at 4 PM.

The breathtaking site is two converging ravines with huge mature trees that are totally covered with ivy, as is the ground itself. I often joke that I am certain the Keebler elves live there. I designed the house to overlook the ravines, “floating” just above the ground with major views south and west.