Backyard Cottage

Berkeley, CA

Backyard cottage exterior in the rear garden with green siding, wide glass doors, and high windows under a deep roof overhang, designed by Levitch for daylight and passive solar gain.
Garden patio view of the one bedroom backyard cottage with outdoor seating, large windows, and open doors, showing indoor and outdoor living areas oriented for passive solar heating.
Corner view of the cottage roof and clerestory windows with deep eaves and wood soffits, bringing daylight into the small home while maintaining privacy from the surrounding garden.
Interior view of the backyard cottage with a compact wood kitchenette, polished concrete floor, tall glass doors, and clerestory windows bringing in garden light.
Compact kitchenette with warm wood cabinets, tiled backsplash, and tall windows beside a glass door, showing the small but practical kitchen Levitch designed for the owners cottage.
Kitchen detail with upper clerestory glazing, wood beams, and high windows above the cabinets, bringing in tree views and natural light while protecting privacy in the cottage.
Interior ceiling and wall detail showing exposed wood framing and masonry, with high windows for daylight and privacy in the compact backyard cottage living space.

Backyard cottage

Berkeley, CA

  • Year Built: Early 2000s

    New ADU on the Owners’ property features a Bedroom, Bathroom, Kitchenette, and indoor and outdoor areas designed for passive solar gain.

    The one-bedroom and one-bathroom tiny home serves as the primary living quarters for our client while they rent out the main house.

    • This new 500 square-foot cottage is on the northwest corner in the rear portion of the site.

    • The cottage’s design and orientation is for passive solar heating.

    • High windows also bring in views of the garden and trees while helping to maintain privacy.

    • Radiant heat in the exposed slab on grade heats the home using a high-efficiency water heater.

    • The Kitchenette although small serves its culinary purpose for the owners.

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