Architecture Neo-Nordic ADU · Bloomington, IN

Accessory Dwelling Unit

ADU — glazed gable end opening to the deck
Developed design — the glazed gable dissolves the corner between kitchen, living, and deck.
Role
Design · Modeling
Scope
Residential ADU · ~600 sf
Tools
Rhino 8 · Twinmotion
Tucked behind a home in Bloomington, this ADU was designed for a graduate student looking for a simple, comfortable place to live.
Inspired by modern Nordic architecture, the design uses a clean and efficient form that keeps the space affordable while still feeling warm and connected to the outdoors.
01Problem
A graduate student needed more than just extra housing behind a Bloomington home. The goal was to create a compact and affordable space that felt private and comfortable without taking over the yard or competing with the main house.
02Solution
The design uses a simple gabled form with warm wood siding and a shared deck. A large glass gable wall opens the kitchen and living space to the outdoors, while exposed rafters bring the Nordic influence inside. Deep overhangs help keep the design simple, practical, and cost effective.
03Research
Front elevation study
Front elevation
Building section through the gable
Building section
Reference — two-story stacked volume
Reference — two-story stacked volume
Reference — low single-story bar
Reference — low single-story bar
Process

The key for this project was to build a building that takes in site context in regards to scale and form, while separating the building with the facade.

04Product
Dusk aerial — the ADU in its lot
Dusk aerial — the ADU in its lot
Living opens onto the timber deck
Living opens onto the timber deck
Full floor plan
Full floor plan
Site plan — ADU set into the rear corner
Site plan — ADU set into the rear corner