Basement Uplift - New ADU
Abernethy-Portland, OR
Aging in place does not have to sacrifice style
Project overview
The owners have lived in this 1902 home for over 30 years. Wisely, they considered how they might be able to stay in the home for as long as possible. We helped them transform their under-utilized dark basement into a guest space filled with natural light, focusing on accessibility and resiliency. When it is time to take over the ADU as their own, the upstairs will provide passive income as a rental. Using sustainable materials, local purchasing, and supporting businesses that do positive things in the world was very important to them.
Patio Ramp
While the excavators were removing earth to lower the basement floor, we had them carve out a small patio space for the unit. The patio along with the main level of the home sitting high on the site, helps the lower unit feel more open and less like a basement. A short ADA compliant ramp connects the unit to the sidewalk, just a 22” grade change.
Kitchen
The custom kitchen cabinets were designed to meet the ADA height standards for wheelchair access while a standing person can also work comfortably.
Benjamin Moore's paint color "Yellow Marigold" was used for the island to bring a touch more sunshine and happiness into the space.
Restoration Juniper butcher block from Sustainable Northwest was installed for the kitchen island with an operable leaf to add counterspace when needed.
Living Room
The clients loved the look of polished concrete floors, but were concerned about how hard it would be on their feet. So, we encouraged them to install a cork floor, aptly named "fashionable cement." This concrete look is easy on the feet, while still being stiff enough to deal with walkers and wheelchairs.
The large north-facing windows make the living space feel bigger while bringing diffused natural light, which is easier on potential visual impairments. The clients intend to install planters and lush green plants in the sunken patio to connect them more with nature.
The failing brick foundation was removed and replaced with a code compliant foundation with minimal concrete, saving money and carbon. The foundation will hopefully give the 1902 home another 120+ years of structural resiliency.
Resiliency
The insulated envelope was designed with meticulous air-sealing details. This, along with the partial subterranean condition, will lower their utility costs and allow them to inhabit the space for longer periods during power outages. The air sealing will also help manage air quality during wildfire season. The lower utility costs and the fact that they can stay in their home for longer, while collecting some passive income, will make them more financially resilient.
Bathroom
Fireclay Tile, a B Corp Certified company producing sustainable handcrafted artisan tile, was installed in the shower playing with size and shape.
We refinished and reused existing fir boards from the clients for an accent wall.
Natural slate tile saturates the walls in Benjamin Moore's "Shady Lane," a vibrant, natural green, bringing the outside in and adding a grounding contrast.
We added blocking inside the shower walls to accommodate future grab bar installation, an inexpensive yet impactful addition while the walls were open. The concrete slab was designed to accommodate a curbless shower. Using this shower is seamless, whether you are bringing in a shower chair or washing a dog, thanks to the large, no-door, no-step design.
Bedroom
South-facing windows in the bedroom bring in natural light, which is accentuated with the biophilic elements of the room. Tasteful plants, wood texture, and pillow covers with earth tones and textures evoking greenery work together to bring nature in.
Plans for aging in place
The space was designed with the future in mind, with barrier-free flow to all aspects of the unit.
The office corner pocket doors can be opened up to expand and connect with the living space or closed for more privacy and focus.
