In a quiet Los Angeles neighborhood, a striking architectural solution offers a fresh take on housing density. Conceived by design-build studio Qastic, this unique project seamlessly integrates two accessory dwelling units (ADUs) within a sleek, arched metal structure, known as quonset-style ADUs.
The site occupies a rectangular lot and comprises 1,500 square feet (140 square meters) of space. Qastic opted for a design inspired by Quonset huts—stacking two arched steel volumes perpendicularly. This configuration honors local architectural patterns but innovates by converting the traditional pitched roof into a broader vaulted form, creating what is known as arched steel dwellings.
A blend of form and function in modern ADUs
The steel-framed building is wrapped in white-painted, galvanized Purlin Bearing Rib (PBR) panels, offering a reflective “cool” roof, ideal for Southern California‘s sunlit climate. Each ADU possesses its own entrance, accessible via a central staircase, with open layouts designed for modern living.
Both units present space for cooking, dining, and relaxing, complemented by a bedroom and bathroom. Wooden floors and drywall finish the interiors. The upper unit boasts balconies with skyline views, while the lower unit opens to landscaped patios, characteristic features of these innovative ADUs.
Explore how cities around the world tackle similar challenges with innovative ADU designs at the Vienna and Rome Affordable Housing Expo for insight into diverse housing solutions.
Flexibility and future-proof design of the units
Designed to adapt to change, these structures can be merged into a single household if required. “The dual condition allows the building to adapt to changing household structures over time,” notes the Qastic team, highlighting its flexible planning.
The structure’s vaulted design minimizes material use and maximizes interior light, enhancing both sustainability and aesthetic appeal. This ensures not just function, but a visually pleasing atmosphere to dwell within, marking the significance of such dwellings in modern architecture.
Qastic’s “Casa Plus” challenges conventional small-scale housing by marrying geometric innovation with economic and social flexibility. The result is a compact yet adaptable solution to Los Angeles’ growing housing demands.
For more on sustainability in architecture, see Siming Wu’s Timber Shelter and learn about its eco-friendly design practices.
The photography is by Mohamad Momenabadi, Sayeh Moomsaz, and Mahdi A Bakhshian.
Project contributors
- Architecture: Qastic
- Principal in charge: Mahdi A Bakhshian
- Team: Milad Hasanabadi, Hooman Faali, Elahe Andami, Farzad Farahani, Taraneh Iranpour, Arshin Akrami, Sedigheh Jafarinik
- Structural engineer: Nast Enterprise
- MEP engineer: PE Engineering
- Finishing consultants: Mohamad Momen Abadi, Sayeh Moomsaz
- Visualisation: Sara Mazraeh, Romina Nikfarjam
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What is unique about the Quonset-style ADUs in Los Angeles?
The Quonset-style ADUs feature a sleek, arched metal structure inspired by Quonset huts. This configuration uses arched steel volumes and converts the traditional pitched roof into a broader vaulted form, enhancing both function and aesthetic appeal.
What design feature offers a reflective cool roof for the ADUs?
The steel-framed building is wrapped in white-painted, galvanized Purlin Bearing Rib (PBR) panels. This provides a reflective ‘cool’ roof, ideal for Southern California‘s sunlit climate.
How are the ADUs designed for flexibility?
The ADUs are designed to adapt to change, allowing them to be merged into a single household if required. This dual condition enables the building to adapt to changing household structures over time.