Pre-Approved for Seattle!
The Cedar Cottage is a super efficient, bright, modern Seattle pre-approved backyard cottage design. It can be configured as a one or two bedroom, oriented for privacy, daylight, or solar access, and is designed with practical, conventional construction in mind. All on one level, it is ideal for seniors looking to downsize but not compromise on quality of life.
*Built versions of Cedar Cottage may have minor alternations from the pre-approved permitted design, such as height of transom windows and inclusion of corner window.
The Cloud Cottage has multiple possible configurations as a studio, as a studio over a garage, or as a one bedroom with upstairs living space. The gable form has enough space in the rafters for a sleeping or storage loft. It was originally designed for a steeply sloping lot and can be entered on either level.
The simple gable roof opens at one end to focus on a view or yard, and keeps other orientations more private. Openings can be located anywhere within the 2’ spacing of the studs. For one story cottages, the gable end can be easily extended for a covered outdoor deck space.
With its narrow footprint, it can fit on the smallest lots, or around trees. Modifications to the structure’s length do not change the overall structural system and other configurations to precisely fit other sites are relatively easy to accomplish.
At 1,000 square feet, the Sitka Cottage features three bedrooms and two baths upstairs, an open living room and kitchen, storage, and an additional powder room tucked away on the first floor. It fits flexibly on many sites with a walk-out terrace off the living room/kitchen. The three bedrooms upstairs are reasonably sized and work well for a family. Standard, wood-frame construction, vented shed roof, slab-on-grade foundation, careful placement of windows, and a simple exterior allow for low-cost construction without sacrificing durability, function, or style.
The design is under the height limit and can fit on standard to small lots, around trees, or on sloped lots, with space for adjacent parking if desired. The cottage can be oriented toward the principal residence for multi-generational living around a courtyard. The front door is on the corner and can be placed on either the short or long side of the design, depending on site orientation.
The design targets 4-Star Built Green, with details for reduced air infiltration, energy-efficient heating, cooling, and water heating systems, passive solar heat gain in window/shading in summer, low-VOC finishes, no fossil fuel appliances, and all LED lighting.
At 997 square feet, the Sedge Cottage is a highly livable footprint that provides well-daylit space for living, necessary storage, flexibility on many sites, and two covered outdoor porch spaces. Within its compact form, the design features three bedrooms and two baths, a galley kitchen with a peninsula and plenty of storage. It features a bedroom and 3/4 bath on the main level that works well for an aging parent, as a guest room or work-from-home office. Standard, wood-frame construction, vented shed roof, slab-on-grade foundation, the careful placement of windows, and a simple exterior allow for low-cost construction without sacrificing durability, function, or style.
The design is under the height limit and can fit on the smallest lots, around trees, or on sloped lots, with space for adjacent parking if desired. The outdoor covered area is perfect for a BBQ and the cottage can be oriented toward the principal residence for multi-generational living around a courtyard. The front porch clearly marks the entry of the accessory dwelling.
The design targets 4-Star Built Green, with details for reduced air infiltration, energy-efficient heating, cooling, and water heating systems, passive solar heat gain in window/shading in summer, low-VOC finishes, no fossil fuel appliances, and all LED lighting.
