A newly completed pre-approved Cedar Cottage, built by Waltier Homes. This 467 square foot DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) is home for grandparents on multigenerational property.

DADUs are transforming the housing landscape in urban areas. These self-contained small homes can be attached or stand-alone and are becoming increasingly popular in cities grappling with housing shortages, rising costs, and shifting lifestyle preferences.

As one of the region's leading voices for abundant and affordable housing choices, CAST has advocated for backyard cottages—accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—since Seattle first considered them citywide in 2009, and our Cedar Cottage is pre-approved by the City of Seattle.

We want as many people as possible to benefit from a mix of housing options.

More efficient land use is critical to address our housing crisis, climate change, and persistent inequities in access to housing opportunities. Modest infill housing, such as ADUs, are a key strategy to empower citizens to provide new housing, build generational wealth, and leverage taxpayers’ investment in infrastructure, transit, schools, and parks.

RESOURCES
City of Seattle ADUniverse
CASTcottages.com

ADUs and DADUs

Help Housing Shortages
The surge in demand for housing has put significant pressure on urban neighborhoods, where space is limited, and housing affordability is a critical issue. ADUs and DADUs offer a practical solution by increasing the housing stock within existing neighborhoods.

Affordability + Flexibility
ADUs and DADUs provide an affordable alternative for renters and homeowners alike. Homeowners can use these units as rental properties, offering housing at a lower cost than traditional apartment units. They can also serve as multi-generational living spaces, allowing families to stay connected while maintaining privacy. For many, ADUs are a way to downsize without leaving their neighborhoods, contributing to economic diversity in communities.

Ease Zoning Regulations
Cities across the US are revising zoning laws to encourage the construction of ADUs and DADUs. These policy changes make it easier for homeowners to build these units by reducing permitting costs, relaxing parking requirements, and increasing maximum allowable sizes. In Seattle, for example, pre-approved DADU plans streamline the process, saving time and money for homeowners.

Sustainability
These small homes align with urban densification goals. By utilizing existing infrastructure and minimizing the need for new developments, these homes help reduce urban sprawl. Additionally, their smaller size typically results in lower energy consumption.

Enhance Community Character
Thoughtfully designed DADUs can blend seamlessly into existing architectural styles, adding diversity to the housing stock while preserving the integrity of the neighborhood.

📸 Northlight Stills & Motion

Published at Seattle’s Daily Journal of Commerce https://www.djc.com/news/ae/12162400.html

Edelweiss House in the Methow Valley

This home, on two acres, near Mazama in the Methow Valley, was sited to take maximum advantage of a south-facing orientation. Its horseshoe shape creates a courtyard between the wings of the home which is cooler in the summer and cozy with a fire pit in the winter. The home’s design highlights the indoor/outdoor relationship that characterizes Methow Valley life.

The twelve-foot-high bank of windows and NanaWall in the great room face southwest and provide transparency through the home, while framing valley and mountain views. The interior wood ceiling extends out through the overhang above the veranda, further drawing the eye out and bringing in the outdoors. The roof height was intentional, to protect from the summer heat, and allow winter sun in to warm up the space.

A centerline from the kitchen to the fireplace wall is a nod to formality. The chandelier anchors the space from either side patios and the kitchen/living room axis. The open kitchen, clad in local Douglas fir, was designed for those social interactions that happen best around food.

The primary bedroom wing includes one bedroom, bathroom, walk-in closet with laundry room and doggie bed, and connection to the outdoor dog run. Obscure glass and a built-in Douglas fir headboard create the shared wall with the bathroom, bringing in extra light to the spaces.

On the opposite side, the utility wing starts just off the kitchen with a pantry and food prep area. A multipurpose room includes space for a guest bedroom with Murphy bed and built-in cabinetry, an office, and a game area. The area can be separated by a pocketed curtain.

Photos: Andrew Giammarco

See Portrait Magazine’s feature on Edelweiss House here.

TEAM
Bjornsen Construction‎
Evans Concrete Construction
B&B Excavating
A & J Electric
NanaWall Systems
Harriott Valentine Engineers
Johnsen Steel Works
Sierra Pacific Windows