We want everyone to live in a healthy home. A healthy home provides good indoor air quality (IAQ) through the types of interior materials chosen and how the interior spaces are ventilated. Here are some suggestions for materials for your ADU that are low-emitting materials that do not release significant pollutants and support a healthy indoor environment.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), also known as “in-law unit” or “granny unit” is a small habitable unit built on your property that serves as a second house. They allow for increased density without needing to divide up parcels. These can be used to house family members and guests, or used to rent out for some extra income.

Many homeowners find that they have space for their immediate family, but then circumstances change, and they need a little something more. From kids wanting a space of their own while attending college, to elderly parents wanting a nice place to stay close to home, an ADU is a wonderful way to keep family close, while still allowing them the autonomy of their own place.

New laws enacted in 2020 seek to help solve the California’s housing crisis by lifting many limitations and making building ADUs a more streamlined, accessible—and common—process.

Buildings are complex entities, and to bring them to life requires the coordinated teamwork of a skilled and collaborative project team. Beyond the lead architect or designer, a typical project will also involve a range of consultants and sub-designers. Technical consultants and sub-designers are professional experts in their fields and specific subject matter, brought onto a project team to support the architect’s design.

Architects are trained to utilize a design system which provides structure for an inherently complex process.

Many thanks to Santa Cruz Works for featuring Workbench, our team, and our mission on their website.