The Offset ADU Provides Space for Family, Friends and Kids

The Offset ADU, designed by Byben, is a garage conversion located in Los Angeles. The original garage consisted of a carport used for bike storage and a single-car garage used as an office.

Byben expanded the original garage, offsetting the second level to accommodate zoning envelope requirements and power lines. The new layout allowed for features like a roof deck and bike storage.

“The first garage level is placed on two property lines and was expanded toward the street but with a four-foot set back,” Byben founder Ben Stilwell said.

“The second level is offset to accommodate the present zoning envelope and the power lines in the rear of the property.”

The offset design also enabled the integration of a roof deck on the second level and additional space for existing trees and bike storage. A covered front entrance was also included in the ADU.

Byben utilised Ipe hardwood for the exterior visible sides, installing it as a rainscreen. This design choice contributes to a unified look while ensuring essential air circulation to prevent future issues.

The ADU features curved interior and exterior elements, creating a soft and inviting atmosphere. This approach was intentional, given the proximity of the ADU to the main house.

“The curved interior and exterior are a way to soften the feel and look of the ADU that is very close to the house,” said Byben.

The curved U window in the upstairs office/bedroom extends above the ceiling line, with a mirror placed on the ceiling above, producing an “infinite height feeling” and enhancing the connection to the view.

On the first level, a spacious room was created with a powder room and a large closet for storage. The room features both front and back doors, allowing easy access to the yard from the kitchen area for barbecues and direct entry into the living room area from the deck. This area further connects to the main house’s living room.

The Offset ADU provides the clients with a versatile space for entertaining relatives, friends and their two children while also encouraging more frequent use of the yard.

“The original driveway area that cuts down the side of the property can now become part of the yard due to ADU regulations, so then the backyard is just that, a yard with no need for a car to drive through it,” said Byben.

“There are still some changes to the house that are in the works but for now the ADU has brought completeness to their property that did not have before.”