The River Oaks House is a true multi-generational home. The owner began this project at a time where she recently lost a parent and needed to move her mom in with her, and the owner also was welcoming her partner’s children into their joint home. The project consists of an ADU for the Client’s mother and an addition to the main home for the kids. The client’s main complaint about the property was a lack of an outdoor space to entertain, which provided an opportunity to triangulate the addition, ADU and main home around this outdoor “living room” with a pool, grill area, firepit and family garden. All structures are at an arm’s length from the other for separation and privacy, ensuring independence for both the client’s mom and a wing for the kids to enjoy.
The ADU design features a sculptural and airy interior. We imagined the negative space of the interior as being carved by light. Exterior is clad with red-stained paneling, reminiscent of the agricultural structures in the region. The kid’s wing features a balcony, which is lined with red terrazzo tiling, enabling direct visual connection with their grandmother. The mudroom acts as a segment between the addition and kid’s wing, which is clad with aluminum panels and a flat roof to indicate an intentional visual transition.
