KATY HOUSE
Garden House ADU positions the accessory dwelling as a small house with its own sense of order, privacy, and atmosphere. Located within the rear garden of an existing residential property, the project is pulled to the eastern boundary of the lot, preserving a generous open garden between the new dwelling and the main house. The garden becomes part of the dwelling itself, extending the interior outward while maintaining a quiet sense of separation.
The renovation was driven by three priorities: bringing more natural light into the ground floor, creating a stronger sense of connection between adjoining spaces, and significantly increasing everyday storage.
The initial design proposed opening several existing walls to create a more continuous sequence between the entry, service spaces and kitchen. During exploratory inspections, however, concealed roof drainage pipes were discovered within walls originally intended for removal. Relocating this infrastructure would have required substantial additional work and cost.
Rather than compromise the project, the plan was reworked around the existing drainage routes. Openings were repositioned, circulation adjusted and storage redistributed, allowing the design to retain the original ambitions of openness, light and functionality while working intelligently with the constraints of the existing house.
The resulting layout feels more connected and generous, with each space flowing into the next while still performing a distinct role.
Residential
TYPE
Completed, 2025
STATUS
Renovation + Addition
SCOPE
Houston, Texas
LOCATION
Kitchen and entry renovation focused on light, flow and storage, with a new powder room, pantry and mudroom
BRIEF
