Under permit review fall 2020. Our client enlisted our help to design a modern, boxy accessory dwelling unit in their backyard, which abuts an alley. A unique challenge was the fact that the backyard sat upon a stone rockery approximately 10 feet above the alley. This ADU with garage was tucked into the hillside using it’s own foundation walls to replace the rockery. ADU access is from the backyard, while the garage became level with the alley. Contemporary was the name of the game here, with a flat roof housing a rooftop deck, a sleek canopy wrapping around to protect entrances from weather, and an overall feel of building block rectangles. A mixture of thin, horizontal siding and large panels in contrasting tones finishes the exterior. The 1,280 sf interior contains two bedroom suites and a cozy great room.
Permit Approved Spring 2021. This 1939 Portland home was brimming with potential, but the cramped and outdated kitchen needed some love. This client came to us with a idea to renovate the existing kitchen footprint, but once we drew up the plans, we knew it could be taken to another level. EMA took a wholistic view to the existing kitchen, back entry, and bedroom hall areas, and created a plan that allowed better circulation and felt more open and spacious. The new layout also provides better storage for their way of life, and actually created a ‘mudroom’ area near the back entry as well as they new kitchen. The kitchen itself boasts a step-in pantry, extra deep 7’-6” long peninsula, and cabinets to the ceiling to pack a big punch in a small area.