SKALWEST CONSTRUCTION
ADU Design Services Altadena
Custom ADU design & architectural plans
Custom ADU Design Shaped Around Your Altadena Property
Every site presents a different combination of space, landscape, privacy and architectural character. We develop the ADU around those conditions so the new residence feels connected to both the home and its setting.
Site, Landscape & Placement
Existing trees, outdoor areas, access and the position of the primary residence can help determine where the ADU belongs and how it should relate to the surrounding property.
Natural Light & Views
Room orientation and window placement are developed to bring daylight into the interior while considering views, privacy and the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Architecture With a Sense of Place
Materials, roof form, openings and proportions can respond to the existing Altadena home while allowing the ADU to develop its own clear and complementary architectural identity.
Translating the Design Into a Coordinated Architectural Plan Set
The design package brings together site planning, interior organization, exterior architecture and three-dimensional studies so the ADU can be clearly understood before moving into later project phases.
Site Planning & Building Location
Site planning establishes the proposed ADU location and its relationship to the primary residence, access, landscape, outdoor areas and other existing property conditions.
Floor Plans & Interior Layout
Floor plans develop room organization, circulation, dimensions, windows and doors while balancing everyday function with a comfortable sense of space.
Architectural Elevations
Exterior elevations communicate the roof form, proportions, materials, openings and architectural composition of each side of the proposed ADU.
Sections & Key Details
Building sections and selected details clarify height, interior volume, roof relationships and important architectural conditions that cannot be fully communicated in plan.
3D Modeling & Visualization
Three-dimensional studies help evaluate massing, materials, openings and how the ADU will relate visually to the existing Altadena residence and property.
Architectural Coordination
The architectural drawings can be coordinated with consultant information and supporting project documentation as the ADU advances toward permitting and construction.
From Property Study to a Design That Feels at Home on the Site
We develop the ADU through a clear sequence of planning and design decisions, beginning with the property and gradually refining the project into a coordinated architectural direction.
Property & Goals Review
We study the existing home, landscape, access, privacy and intended use to understand the opportunities that can shape the project.
Site Strategy & Concept
The proposed location, footprint, room arrangement and primary outdoor relationships are explored to establish an initial design concept.
Architectural Refinement
Exterior form, floor plans, openings, proportions and materials are refined together to create a cohesive architectural expression.
Coordinated Design Package
The selected direction advances into architectural drawings that clearly communicate the design for the next stage of the project.
to Landscape & Place
An Altadena ADU can feel especially natural when the design responds to landscape, views, privacy and the existing residence. These relationships can help the new home feel established rather than simply placed in the remaining yard.
Architectural Character Inspired by the Home and Its Setting
The ADU can reflect the architectural language of the primary residence or introduce a more contemporary interpretation. Material selection, roof form, proportion and openings help create the right relationship between the two.
Modern
Simple geometry, restrained materials and thoughtfully positioned glazing can create a modern ADU that feels calm, precise and connected to its surroundings.
Mid-Century Modern
Broad rooflines, horizontal proportions, warm wood tones and strong connections between interior and garden spaces can create a distinctly California modern character.
Contemporary
Contemporary design can combine clean volumes, natural textures and generous openings to create an ADU that feels current while remaining warm and residential.
Craftsman
Deep eaves, expressive rooflines, wood detailing and grounded proportions can create an ADU with a warm and established architectural character.
Spanish & Mediterranean
Stucco finishes, tile roofing, arches and carefully scaled openings can connect the ADU to familiar Southern California architectural traditions.
Traditional & Transitional
Familiar roof forms and balanced proportions can be combined with simplified detailing to create architecture that feels timeless without becoming overly formal.
The architectural direction can respond to the existing Altadena residence, surrounding landscape and the character you want the new ADU to bring to the property.
Designing Around Landscape, Privacy and the Character of the Property
An ADU can add meaningful living space while preserving the qualities that already make the property distinctive. Existing landscape, outdoor areas, privacy and architectural relationships can all become active parts of the design.
Existing Trees & Landscape
Mature landscape and established outdoor areas can help guide the placement and orientation of the ADU, allowing important parts of the property to remain useful and visually connected.
Views, Daylight & Privacy
Windows and primary living areas can be oriented to bring in natural light and outward views while carefully managing sightlines between the ADU, primary residence and neighboring properties.
Indoor-Outdoor Relationships
Patios, garden areas and pathways can extend the usable living space beyond the ADU footprint and create a more natural connection between the new residence and the surrounding site.
While Adding New Space
A well-considered Altadena ADU can add a complete new residence without losing the landscape, privacy and outdoor character of the existing property — allowing the new architecture to become part of the setting rather than replacing it.
Request a Property Review & Preliminary ADU Concept
Submit the form below to tell us about your Altadena property and ADU goals. We’ll consider the existing site, potential design opportunities and architectural direction before getting in touch to discuss the project.
