In the vibrant neighborhood of Venice, California, Will Burroughs and his wife, Frith Dabkowski, have transformed their backyard into a multifunctional space through a striking accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
One sunny day, Burroughs, dressed casually in shorts and a tropical-themed shirt, played football with his 7-year-old son, Jack.
This simple, playful moment served as a delightful reminder of what the couple envisioned when designing their ADU.
According to architect Aejie Rhyu, the playfulness of Burroughs and Dabkowski is apparent in their intentional design choices.
Adorning the walls of their home is pink Los Angeles Toile wallpaper, featuring quirky illustrations of local landmarks, including the iconic mountain lion P-22 and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.
Even their garage boasts unique amenities, with overhead bicycle storage, an espresso maker, and a large flat-screen TV for watching Formula 1 races and cricket games at odd hours.
Recent updates to California’s ADU laws have encouraged more housing solutions, prompting the couple to replace their garage with a flexible living space.
Not only does the new structure accommodate their work and family life, but it also provides a welcoming place for visiting relatives from Australia.
To execute their vision, Burroughs enlisted the help of his childhood friend, Australian architect James Garvan, who was intrigued by the concept of ADUs.
Garvan appreciated how adding a separate unit could activate otherwise underutilized parts of the neighborhood.
While Garvan was based in Australia, local architect Rhyu was brought on to oversee the project, and the two worked closely via video calls to refine their plans.
Burroughs emphasized the importance of the ADU being connected to the community, describing neighborhood tours over FaceTime to ensure the design reflected local aesthetics.
The goal was to create something that respects the eclectic mix of architectural styles in their neighborhood, which ranges from quaint bungalows to bold, modern homes.
Arguing against a monolithic design, Burroughs wanted the ADU to harmonize with the diverse character of Venice, where many renowned architects have left their mark.
Dabkowski echoed this sentiment, recalling her suburban upbringing where all houses appeared the same, leading her to prefer creating something more unique yet complementary to the surroundings.
Positioned on a corner lot, the two-story ADU presents a simple façade to the street while showcasing more dynamic shapes from the backyard.
This thoughtful design maintains the neighborhood’s charm without overwhelming it.
Inside the ADU, which cost approximately $450,000 and features intricate custom millwork and a spiral staircase, the atmosphere is unexpectedly inviting.
Burroughs articulated their initial vision of the ADU being distinctly separate from their primary residence, something unique.
The exterior is clad in stained cedar siding with artistic shutters that evoke a playful feel, housing a 460-square-foot garage and an upstairs one-bedroom unit measuring 560 square feet.
Instead of an interior staircase, a custom spiral staircase winds around the outside of the building, allowing for efficient use of space.
A rooftop terrace provides sweeping views of Santa Monica and Penmar Park, which Burroughs affectionately likened to being nestled up in the trees.
Inside the unit, an open-plan layout brightened by large circular skylights creates an inviting atmosphere, featuring a kitchen, living room, and dining area.
The centerpiece, a waterfall island, combines functionality with aesthetic appeal by featuring storage and transitioning seamlessly into the dining space.
Generously designed floor-to-ceiling cabinets in the kitchen extend into the living area, creating a cohesive media center.
The unit is equipped with a queen-sized Murphy bed, stackable washer and dryer, and linen storage, ensuring efficiency in a compact setting.
Cork tile flooring enhances comfort while serving as an acoustic barrier between the ADU and the office below.
Working with interior designer Danielle Lanee, Dabkowski infused color into the living spaces, aiming for warmth and vibrancy.
Rhyu noted that the couple desired the ADU to create a fun, memorable experience for guests, incorporating quirky features like an outdoor shower and playful lighting.
Initially, Burroughs feared they might have gone too far with the color choices, which include bright tile and wallpaper selections.
Yet, upon completion, he expressed immense satisfaction with the final design, celebrating its homey feel and perfect balance between form and function.
Reflecting on his architectural heritage in Sydney, Burroughs noted the importance of design harmony with the landscape, a concept Garvan embraced in his development of the ADU.
Burroughs praised Garvan’s ability to take the fundamental rectangular design and enhance it to sit elegantly among trees and property lines.
Meanwhile, Rhyu utilized innovative methods, including drone footage, to bring Garvan’s vision to life from afar.
Looking toward the future, Burroughs and Dabkowski are considering renting their ADU but for now have opened it to friends and family.
Dabkowski highlighted the convenience of providing comfortable lodging for relatives, allowing them to avoid the higher costs of traditional accommodations.
The couple has hosted family, including Burroughs’ parents for extended stays, reinforcing their belief that the ADU enhances quality time among loved ones.
The ADU has impressed Burroughs’ parents so much that they have hired Garvan to design their own home in Sydney as they look to downsize.
Burroughs shared that the functionality and airflow of the ADU have positively impacted their lives, strengthening family bonds.
Garvan expressed his hope that the ADU would not only resonate with friends but also enrich the community, contributing positively to the local culture and streetscape.
Ultimately, the Burroughs-Dabkowski family’s ADU stands as a testament to innovative design that prioritizes both functionality and community connection.
image source from：latimes
