They were running out of space in their two bedroom bungalow for a family of four, a home office and frequent family visitors so Gennifer Leong-Alvarado and Pastor Alvarado decided to copy their neighbors who had recently torn down their garage to replace it with a backyard home.
They called on Rebecca Rudolph and Catherine Johnson of Design, Bitches – the same architects who had made over their neighbors yard – and soon their tiny garage and cement driveway was being torn apart to make way for a spacious ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) and a backyard they would really use.
Gennifer explains, “I never went behind my garage ever because it was kind of like a dead zone.” Rebecca says this is common. “What we’ve figured out over time is that people will go 10 feet out from their living space, so if we’d just converted the garage, they would have stayed in this section of the yard, so by putting it in the back, they’ll use the whole thing.”
Today, in the former “dead zone” sits their backyard cottage that serves as Pastor’s office, as well as a home for their parents (who are frequent visitors). Their old, cement driveway is now a grass soccer field used constantly by their 10-year-old. And now, all the space between their home and the tiny home is used; there’s a swimming pool, a fire pit, a covered outdoor dining area, a hammock and a boardwalk that connects the two spaces and gives the space a vacation-type feel.
Design, Bitches https://designbitches.com/
On *faircompanies https://faircompanies.com/videos/la-family-turns-unused-garage-into-small-home-oasis-before-after/
looooove this design
Kirsten! thank you so much for your channel.. you continue to blow minds with your interviews of interesting and boundary pushing people.. .Love and respect from Mexico City
Great design idea. Years ago I've did a drawing like this and shes right you never use the back of the property unless you design something like this it gives you a purpose to the back of your property. Better use of your lot.❤❤❤❤❤
Really nice execution and design… awesome look n feel, bingo!
I love it! Beautiful space
For retirement live in small house and rent big house
Really great setup, would also increase value for house
Would have 2 burner for cooking
It’s laid out beautifully
Beautiful, terrazzo would have been a good floor choice ❤
Lovely structures and family. I know a grandma who recently slipped on a concrete floor when playing with their grandchild. So I would definitely put a rug in front of the shower and make sure they wear shoes with traction.
ADUs were supposed to increase housing accessibility, but too many are Airbnbs.
I am confused, she mentions "My husband" but I see a blond lady with white shirt? Is she not her partner?
when you live in a sardine can, it's important to delude one self into a fantasy. just don't pay attention to the politics or culture, good luck!
Wow❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Bellissimo posto💚
QUESTION: Outstanding design! @Kirsten How many SF is this ADU?
This is one of the best ADUs I’ve seen. Very well thought out in terms of usable space not only in the adu but outside. Great job!!
Love your content my friend. Back yard retreats are an ever-changing labor of love. Ours has been changing for 30 years & will never be done.
really lovely. great house, great interview. this home feels like a holiday.
Such a nice house, but yeah, no way I can afford something like this in California…or anywhere, keep on California dreaming I guess..
This channel has, in a startling fashion, changed my life. The delightful variation of individuals highlighted with such varied focuses has led me to rethink how I live my life.
Noting the similarities of stories helps me recognize the overarching principles to guide my life. 'Eternally grateful for all you do.
Thank you for sharing💝💯. Your videos inspire me to appreciate my humble home and to create a place that works for me. 🗽🎈😊😉
A swimming pool, fire pit, and dining spot,
A hammock to relax, and a boardwalk to trot,
All between the home and tiny house retreat,
A vacation space, both cozy and neat.
From a crowded bungalow to a backyard bliss,
Their solution was simple, but hard to miss,
With creativity and design, they found their way,
And made their backyard a place to stay.
Great content. Great presentations. Love your style.