Monterey County Predesigned ADUs

Three different ADU sizes that work on a variety of lots, adapt to the different micro-climates, work within High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, reflect the different cultures, and adapt to regional architectural styles throughout Monterey County.

Aerial view of a sunrise over rolling hills with mist and fog in the valleys, casting warm golden light on the landscape.

Client

Monterey County Planning Department

Location

Monterey County, CA

Status

Approved designs released to public September 2023

Sites

Future sites throughout unincorporated Monterey County

Design Sizes

550 SF, 1-Bedroom, 1-Bath
750 SF, 2-Bedroom, 1-Bath
1,200 SF, 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath

Services

Architecture, Pre-designed ADU Program Development

Expertise

SB330, Sustainability

Modern white single-story house with a red roof, situated in a grassy area with scattered trees and a bicycle rack. The house features large windows and a small porch.
A small modern cabin with a wooden exterior and dark roof, surrounded by trees and a stone pathway in the foreground. The cabin has large glass doors and minimal landscaping with stones and grass.

Styling

Exteriors were developed after research into the regional housing styles, and are inspired by the sweeping landscape of Monterey County. Santa Lucia Modern is modeled on the Monterey style- the typical combination of stucco, arches, and red roof are made current with larger windows and minimal trim. Ventana Ranch alludes to the homes found in the agricultural valleys and features lap siding, simple shingle roofs, and porch seating. Multiple sliding doors support the California indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Versatility of Application

Areas for homeowner choice were strategically identified, so residents can add function and personality. Designed-in options include additional exterior doors, plans for a closet-to-desk-alcove conversion, or replacing a second bathroom with an enlarged mudroom/flex space, and all interior FF&E. 

Designed through the lens of flexibility, plans are appropriate for multiple orientations on site. Porches are accessible from two sides, with multiple elevations possible as the “front” of the ADU.

Diagram illustrating floor plans of a one-bedroom unit in three orientations: original, rotated 90 degrees, and rotated 180 degrees, with measurements and direction arrows indicated.
Geometric shapes in pink and orange on isometric grid background

Equitable Communities

  • Plans provided free of charge to residential property owners within unincorporated Monterey County

  • Small spaces designed with intention of providing comfortable living to people of varying mobility; accessible bathrooms, wide doorways, and detailing for curbless showers as design standard

  • Open floor plans provide plenty of circulation space and options for multiple furniture layouts

  • Plans provide options within a "stock" program; gives homeowners agency within the process and opportunity to make choices that reflect personal style or cultural background. 

Ecosystems

  • Built on previously developed sites; increases density within existing residential areas and reduces demand on undeveloped land

Energy & Well-being

  • By nature, smaller homes with efficient floor plans. 

  • All-electric design using heat-pump water heaters and induction ranges

  • ERVs and whole house fans improve energy efficiency and support healthy indoor air quality

  • Passive solar techniques help protect interior spaces from heat gain

  • Large openings and skylights improve daylighting/reduce energy demand

Illustration of three Ventana Ranch models with floor plans. Ventana Ranch 1 has one bedroom, 515 sq ft. Ventana Ranch 2 includes two bedrooms, 750 sq ft. Ventana Ranch 3 features three bedrooms, 1,200 sq ft. Each model is depicted with a 3D exterior view, floor plan, and elevation drawing.

Floorplans

Inside the ADUs, flexible usage is provided with open floor plans (vetted with multiple furniture layouts); well-sized storage spaces; accessible bathrooms, and roll-in showers. Quality-of-life features within the small spaces include skylights, well-appointed kitchens, laundry, vaulted ceilings, and easy outdoor access.

Ventana Ranch

Santa Lucia Modern

Image showing three house designs: Santa Lucia Modern 1, 2, and 3. Each includes an exterior rendering and a floor plan. Santa Lucia Modern 1 is 515 sq ft with one bedroom, Modern 2 is 750 sq ft with two bedrooms, and Modern 3 is 1,200 sq ft with three bedrooms.

Design Team

Jamileh Cannon
Libby Barnes, AIA
Alexandra Sklar, Associate AIA
Manasi Bapat

Articles

Workbench Collaborates With The County of Monterey On Pre-designed ADU Program

Consultants

Structural: CM Taylor Structural Engineering, Inc.
Mechanical: ZAL Engineering

Related