Green Lake DADU

Every growing family eventually grapples with the balance of space and hospitality. For this Seattle household, the goal was twofold: create a welcoming home for visiting grandparents and establish a quiet, dedicated home office—all while preserving the backyard’s vital role as a social hub and play area.
The resulting 1,000-square-foot, two-story DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a study in urban efficiency. Tucked into the rear of the lot, the design honors the aesthetic of the property’s original 1920s bungalow while prioritizing low-maintenance durability.
Designed for Modern Living:
• Ground Level: Features a functional garage equipped with an EV charger and bike storage, seamlessly transitioning into a covered, heated outdoor dining area for year-round socializing.
• The Upper Suite: Reached via an exterior stair and a cantilevered deck that provides both shade and a private perch, the apartment is flooded with southern light.
• Smart Flexibility: The interior maximizes every inch. A galley kitchen and bright living area feel expansive, while the bedroom features a custom Murphy bed that transforms the guest quarters into a high-functioning home office when the family is solo.
Lasting Quality:
To ensure the unit serves the family for generations, we selected high-performance materials designed for minimal upkeep:
• Vertical board and batten siding for a timeless, textured look.
• Aluminum-clad windows and a standing seam metal roof for superior weather resistance.
• Unfinished IPE decking for a natural, long-lasting outdoor finish.
The Greenlake DADU is more than an addition; it is a versatile extension of the family home that respects the neighborhood scale while providing a private, inviting retreat for work, rest, and play.

Client Review:
Joel was fantastic to work with for our new construction 2-story garage/DADU project. During the design process he did a great job listening to what we wanted and using his expertise to show us what might work best. He was responsive and thoughtful through both the design and build processes. Our construction completed on time, despite the 2021 COVID supply chain disruptions. Joel had outstanding subs who took pride in their work! Our space is beautiful and functional, and we would do it over again with Bakken Design Build!

Photography: Jesse L. Young Photography