Marc Vassallo’s book “Little House in the City: Designing Small Within City Limits”, explores urban homes and ADU’s as a smart response to demographic trends. As cities continue to swell, some individuals are taking a new approach to housing by decreasing square footage and adding attached dwelling units. The appeal of smaller homes touches on the pressing issues of affordability, sustainability and conviviality.
Join Marc Vassallo at the AIA Seattle on January 22nd, 2019 for a design lesson on innovative housing and a group conversation on the pros and cons of small city houses. Marc Vassallo: Little house in the city.
Smaller city houses (400 sq. ft. to 1,800 sq. ft.) promote walkability, sustainability, and conviviality. They make sense for single people, young couples, small families, empty-nesters, and (with ADUs) extended family members. We will draw design lessons from a dozen innovative houses from across the US and Canada, including infill projects, remodeled houses, and ADUs, with special attention to solutions for odd lots, extremely narrow sites, and mixed-use areas. We’ll examine historical precedents, address challenges inherent in compact spaces and tight quarters, and debate the pros and cons of density. Along with projects that reach the “missing middle” of the urban real estate market, we’ll look at two that directly address equity and affordability.
After his slide talk, Vassallo will facilitate a group conversation on the pros and cons of small city houses with respect to such issues as affordability, density, and inclusion. Each attendee will receive a complimentary copy of the book, courtesy of Schultz Miller.
SZ shares in Marc Vassallo’s enthusiasm, as we relish in the opportunity to design an accessory dwelling unit for a Mercer Island family. We’re providing them with additional living space for their multi-generational family and to generate income with the increased popularity of home share rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO.
The 750 SF thoughtful design maximizes waterfront views and integrates well with the surrounding architecture. The split ridge roof line and west facing windows compliment the main home. The rooftop terrace perches high overlooking the house exposing the water. Using the existing garage as the foundation for the ADU, it is nestled in the hillside allowing for a seamless entrance. Stay tuned for more design/build updates…