Santa Barbara Hillside Guest House ADU

Exterior view of the architectural design

We were approached by a previous client to design an ADU (additional dwelling unit) for their hillside property in Santa Barbara. We walked the property together and settled on a location overlooking a ravine with views up to the mountains. The client is very interested in modular building and the opportunity to take advantage of prefabricated housing.

We created several design options of varying sizes that were refined and ultimately culminated on what you see above. The plan is based on modular dimensions to ease transportation of prefabricated modular parts to the site. A modern open plan allows the relatively small space to feel expansive. Large expanses of glass and sliding glass doors bring the outside in and open to a deck perfect for entertaining or letting the breeze in.

The interior is streamlined and modern with natural materials. Rooms within the house can accommodate multiple uses, home office to guest room with murphy bed. The ADU could be configured as a two bedroom rental or as a one bedroom with bonus room which provides flexibility for the future.

Above is the original concept floor plan. As the design was refined you can see the big ideas continue to guide the project; master and guest wing separated by the communal space, a central deck and glass wherever possible.

Onus Donuts Opens!

Juan Jimenez had a dream to create a simple donut and coffee house on State St. here in Santa Barbara. In a time when most restaurants are moving towards complicated and expensive items Juan wanted to provide inexpensive and accessible food for everyone. We helped Juan update the interior of this restaurant space and thru the permitting process. Now tasty donuts can be found here along with coffee and soda. Our favorite is the blueberry but go and try a few and decided for yourself!

The Project covered by the Sentinel

The latest issue of The Sentinel covers The Project!

Chef Ramon Velazquez of Corazon Cocina on the cover of the latest issue of the Sentinel. If you haven’t had a chance to dine at this new location please do yourself a favor and stop in, the dishes are incredible.

view of the interior with customers
Corazon’s Mezcal Bar

We initially met Ramon a few years ago when he and his business partner were considering leasing the building formerly occupied by Rebar Coffee and Yankee Noodle. In that meeting we noted that although the location seemed to be ideal none of the previous tenants were able to make it work. This had to do with a combination of factors like the emergence of the Funk Zone, the seemingly endless construction of the California Hotel and the awkward dark interior of the building. Our advice was that in order to be successful this space needed a radical transformation to open it up to State St.. Restrooms would need to be moved, new folding doors and windows would be required. All of this would be expensive on top of the monthly lease. We advised that they should take on a partner, ideally a local brewery that was looking to expand and would be willing to share the space and the costs of the buildout. With that we set the plan in motion, The Project was conceived and we created what you see today with the help of Bottenfield Construction

view into the kitchen
View into Corazon’s Kitchen

Flash forward to today and we believe that initial idea has come to fruition. Now Corazon Cocina and Captain Fatty’s Brewing are consistently packed with customers eating great tacos and drinking great beer. It’s been great to see their success! Click here to read the article

Interior image showing the bar
Captain Fatty’s Bar