Robert Albano’s ADU: 2 Units for Aging-In-Place

Albano ADU

Quick Facts

• Setting: urban
• City: Eugene, OR
• Type: new construction built into new primary dwelling
• Use: long-term rental
• Square Footage: 900
• Year Built: 2013
• Owner: Kathleen & Robert Albano
• Designer: Robert Albano
• Builder: Greenleaf Design Build
• Estimated Total Cost: $135,000

“We built both dwellings new. The estimated total cost is a guess at the marginal cost for adding the ADU because some of the structure – roof, foundation and utilities – are already accounted for in the main dwelling unit’s costs.” – Robert Albano

Path to Albano ADU from street

Accessory Dwelling Units – or Secondary Dwelling Units as they are known in Eugene, OR – were first added to the Eugene land use code around 2003. In 2011 Robert & Kathleen were living in an established 2-block neighborhood which had just hosted its 22^nd annual 4^th of July party. Kathleen and Robert appreciated that their neighborhood was very social in comparison to others. So they decided to create long-term housing options for themselves in this neighborhood by building a new house with an ADU. Kathleen and Robert felt that the ADU would provide additional income and increase the chance for casual social interaction with their neighbors. The lot that the ADU and main dwelling unit were built on was one of the few remaining empty lots in the neighborhood. They financed the project with savings.

Robert explains that at the time, the SDU regulation read: “The dwelling shall not exceed 800 square feet unless occupying the full story of a multi-story structure with ground floor residential use.” In order to get a slightly larger SDU Robert and Kathleen decided to dedicate the entire ground level to the SDU with the primary dwelling above it.

Albano ADU Kitchen

Since the alley at the back of the lot is about 15’ lower than the street Robert was able to place the main dwelling unit at street level and the ADU slightly above alley level. This resulted in the ADU being wheelchair accessible from the alley via car. The main dwelling is wheelchair accessible from the street. Both units also have 36” door framing and wheelchair accessible bathrooms.

Accessibility, sociability, rentability, and sustainability were driving factors for their design. The focus of the design was aging-in-place for both dwellings. A secondary goal was energy-efficiency so that the dwellings would be less expensive to heat and cool. They insulated the units with R-40 walls and an R-60 roof. Tight air sealing was also important and they ultimately achieved 2.2 Air Changes per Hour (ACH).

“Energy-efficiency is especially important as energy costs are expected to rise in the future where as retirement income may not keep pace. Also low energy costs make the ADU a more competitive rental.” – Robert Albano

Robert and Kathleen designed both units to be accessible so that they would have flexible housing options over time. They could live in either unit and rent out the other.

View into 2 bedrooms in 3-bedroom Albano ADU

“The 3 bedroom ADU size allows for a more flexible use. Parents and two children can each have their own bedroom. This is in fact our first tenant: two university professors and their two children. We go to each others parties and see each other on the way to our front doors.” – Robert Albano

Robert explains that the ADU began increasing neighborhood interactions even before it was complete. He says that as it was being built people walked by and asked questions about it. During construction many people who were already living in the area came by and one of them ended up renting the ADU when it was finished.

Albano ADU play area for neighborhood kids

“My favorite thing about the ADU is how it has increased social interaction with the neighborhood kids. Because it is on the hill slope, there is an area next to ADU that is under the primary dwelling and is sheltered from rain. The kids in the ADU as well as neighborhood kids use this as a place to play during the rain in winter and place to escape the heat in the summer. It has built-in lighting and I have provided a workbench and scrap wood from construction for the kids to play with.” –Robert Albano

So what advice does Robert have for homeowners considering creating an ADU on their own property?

“Design for a variety of users: families, students, and adults sharing a living space and make it accessible and energy-efficient.” –Robert Albano

About linamenard

Hi. My name is Lina Menard and I'm a small house dweller, designer, blogger, and builder. I'm currently collecting ADU Case Studies for AccessoryDwellings.org. Through my company Niche Consulting LLC, I help people design and build the home (and life) of their dreams! I also tell my stories about simple living in small spaces - like a travel trailer, a yurt, a backyard cottage, and tiny houses on wheels - at Niche News.

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