![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64b97296e6cb1b128a1c44e3/6512182926ff4d004715ac85_Rice%20Pender_%20Living%20room%20and%20kitchen.webp)
This Ann Arbor Hills ADU was formally an existing detached garage, and acts as a buffer between the street and the homeowners home. We created this new residence with a gracious living area that accommodates extended family visits and serves as additional work-from-home space.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64b97296e6cb1b128a1c44e3/6512187c62de0dee47ce2b79_Rice%20Pender_%20Kitchen%20shelf%20detail.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64b97296e6cb1b128a1c44e3/6512189143698cdb66a7b2fd_Rice%20Pender_%20Kitchen%20Vertical.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64b97296e6cb1b128a1c44e3/6512189e2da0a9b6de69aa28_Rice%20Pender_%20Living%2C%20kitchen%20and%20skylight%20straight%20on.webp)
The open floor plan was designed for comfort and efficiency. Thoughtful use of materials, an existing skylight, polished concrete floors, and the addition of floor to ceiling windows creates a bright, warm atmosphere in a small footprint of only 600 sq ft.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64b97296e6cb1b128a1c44e3/65f1d698241adb55b1ee60eb_04.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64b97296e6cb1b128a1c44e3/65f1d69cd493de0170d91de6_05.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64b97296e6cb1b128a1c44e3/65f1d6a0fff40d1f4cfdafbc_06.webp)
In addition to the inviting interior, this home is crowned with a living roof that is covered in perennials, annuals and a vegetable garden during warm seasons. The green roof reduces rainwater run-off, insulates the living space below from summer heat, and provides a charming patio with a view.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64b97296e6cb1b128a1c44e3/6512182926ff4d004715ac85_Rice%20Pender_%20Living%20room%20and%20kitchen.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64b97296e6cb1b128a1c44e3/65f1d573479ac33c40705350_08.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64b97296e6cb1b128a1c44e3/65f1d57824051c26d29ebc0b_09.webp)
"The ability, through design and build, to connect the homeowners to the outdoors through the use of direct & indirect natural light, space conditions and a rooftop garden made this an immensely rewarding project.”
Martin Clarke
Details: