This Accessory dwelling unit is located on a typical Chicago block. The premise for the design is a double-unit. The final form was created using multiple smaller wood blocks and extracting voids in both the first and second floor to find the best moments to use in the final architecture. In the final model there are voids taken out of the first floor that create spaces for landscaping on the exterior while also dividing the space on the interior for different programming needs. Similarly on the second level there are voids that create a terrace for greenery along with balconies that lead to stairs for the rooftop.

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The unique design for the double-unit ADU begins with the stairs being the only sectional connection between the two sides. The stairs are duplicated one on top of the other in order to connect the criss-crossing apartments. To further explain the layout of the units, the bottom left kitchen and living room connect to the bedroom on the right side of the second level which then connects back to the roof on the left side. Which means that both units have bedrooms on the second floor diagonal from their kitchen and living rooms allowing for equality in terms of sunlight for each unit.

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The double-unit apartment has one central courtyard where the residents enter under the stairs and then find private entrances into their individual unit. Going along with the driving concept of connection around the stairs, the central courtyard allows for the two units to connect socially. The stairs have two materials, glass on the interior and a solid wall on the exterior- reinforcing my idea of connection and interaction within the central staircase.

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Programs Used: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Illustrator

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