Accessory Dwelling Unit with a View
Daughter returns home to a new, private space!Learn what you need to know before starting your construction project.
ADU with a view
The owner of this stunning second story accessory dwelling unit (ADU) came to Graham Builders with hopes of building a detached ground-level ADU on her mother’s property. After spending most of her adult years living independently, the thought of building a detached aging-in-place residence was highly appealing.
Her first choice was to have a ground-level accessible. A quick investigation of the property revealed that property setbacks and building separation requirements would only allow a long, skinny structure that would not satisfy her needs. The design team at Graham Builders encouraged her to build above the existing flat roofed carport. Accessible features could be designed into the second residence and it would be possible to add a chair lift later if needed.
Encouraged by the suggestion, she decided to move forward, and the results of this 650 square foot ADU are remarkable! “I love my new place!” exclaims the owner of the new ADU.
The entrance reveals a dramatic great room with multiple high windows that mimic the design of the original house. The Metroflor vinyl planks in Poipu draw visitors to the space’s magnificent view of the Koolau mountains.
The bright and airy kitchen is the second delight to greet its guests. LG Hi-Macs in Artic White cap counters and island, while Total Access Thermofoil Simple White cabinets finish off vertical spaces. After years of cooking in a compact kitchen, the homeowner is thrilled to have a full-sized kitchen in her ADU.
The bedroom is strategically tucked to the side of the living room, positioned away from the busy street corner. An accessible bathroom and full-sized walk-in closet cap off the homeowner’s 12’ x 12’10” sleeping quarters.
Graham Builders has three decades of design and building experience and is the only contractor to receive Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Small Business Ethics. It is also the first firm in Hawaii to have a certified National Association of Home Builders Aging-in-Place specialist on staff. Over the years, Graham Builders has grown this number to three certified consultants who help homeowners make necessary mobility and safety changes to their residences.
Photos by Hawkins Biggins Photography.
Project Details
DATE May 28, 2020
LOCATION Kaneohe
PROJECT TYPE Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
Aging-in-place
CONTRACTOR Graham Builders, Inc.