Accessory Dwelling | Cape Cod

Designed to combat the housing crisis for year-round residents on Cape Cod

Accessory Dwelling Unit | Wellfleet MA

Synopsis: This proposal envisions a highly adaptable modular construction that can be assembled quickly and minimizes its impact on its site. The building is conceived of as a rectilinear living volume with a “service pod” that can be plugged into either side of the main body of the building, depending on site circumstances. The narrow proportions of the plan allows for construction on constrained or difficult to reach sites. Folding and pivoting elements of the building respond to both solar orientation and the privacy issues inherent in occupying sites with existing buildings.

The design responds to several specific issues;

Construction: The building volume sits on concrete sonotubes to minimize site impact. By elevating the building massing, service elements such as compost toilets and rainwater collection can be more easily accommodated. The building skin is comprised of prefabricated insulated panels and can be clad in wood or corrugated metal. All components are sized to allow for off-site fabrication and ease of transportation.

Systems: The project implements building systems that minimize energy consumption and mitigate water usage including; floor, ceiling and wall panels with high insulating values, rainwater and grey water collection, radiant heat flooring and pellet stove for stable winter temperatures, whole house extractor fan for summer month cooling in conguction with natural ventilation methods, and small-scale supplemental power generation through wind and solar applications.

Architecture:  The form of the building and the building skin respond to both the historical vernacular building typologies and the tradition of residential modernism on Cape Cod. The design refers to small seaside sheds and cottages while folding and sliding elements recall the language of the Cape’s barns and back-buildings.