LA breezy in-law unit is multi-level "cabin in the woods"

[@davidstoughton3340]

I really like what he is doing. Also, an architect with such humility in LA. I could listen to him talk about architecture all day.

[@guachingman]

true, he expresses himself in a nice articulated and sophisticated fashion without being one bit snobish

[@jamesjross]

@@guachingman His voice and the way he speaks threw me... like a west coast Woody Allen. One of those times when a guy introduces his wife and it takes you back. "Your partner is female... I wasn't expecting that". Not being from the US whenever I hear a nebbishy sounding guy it sounds almost camp to my ear.

[@bevcrusher4177]

@@jamesjross IOW, he sounds gay. And I agree, he does.

[@jamesjross]

@@bevcrusher4177 OH ME OH MY - I hope I didn't suggest that! Well I have to apologise to the nebbishy Woody Allen community for such a thing. I genuinely thought they just married their daughters.

[@mindfulmaximalist9962]

I found him hard to listen to. He does that thing that young girls do when they talk.

[@lordfancourt2879]

I particularly like this episode. The architect really knows what he's doing and his explanations of defining the spaces in the house made perfect sense (for once). This little house was very well thought out. Good work!!

[@Michistrasse97]

I love how they have created such a thoughtful design in an affordable home. Beautiful doesn't have to mean expensive!

[@lactate8008s]

Beleive me. This may not be as expensive relative to some of the other lots and houses in their area, but it's definitely nowhere near as affordable as they're making it sound. The land and home prices in this area are off the charts.

[@hydrolifetech7911]

@@lactate8008s the lot price may be what it is in LA but the house is definitely low budget considering they build it themselves, incorporating salvage parts and some hired labor. The labor might be the only thing pricey in this construction

[@holymags2495]

The ceilings are so beautiful, such a sense of space.

[@guachingman]

Some owners do a good job of explaining what they did and why, some others not so much, these owners were excellent!!! Congrats to them!

[@jeanettenaumiec7784]

They are architects, I’m imagine they are well versed in defining and describing their designs.

[@jennyfulcher8035]

I love the vaulted ceiling with its unique approach to "stepping" the beams. It carries your eye throughout the entire length of the open room concept. Beautifully designed architecture with lots of lighting from the clerestory windows that is both artistic and homey. Thanks for sharing. Jenny

[@HLR4th]

Those ceilings are tremendous! I love the recurring theme in this house, and on the channel of creative solutions emerging as a response to challenges. The dx of his dad's dementia lead to the ADU. The tree lead to the siting of the home. The budget constraints lead to creative (and beautiful) finishing choices, reuse options, etc. Great lessons to keep living by!

[@politicalpartyagnostic268]

HLR4th I agree. The harmony of all the elements coming together is striking and very, very beautiful. They are my dream designers!!

[@teresacarle294]

@@politicalpartyagnostic268 Yep. Down to the drawer display nooks from her grand-parent's home in Japan. Wonderful details.

[@pinschrunner]

Interesting architecture and single family home in LA. LAs regulatory environment is disgustingly tyrannical and rarely permits creativity like this. Bravo on the integration of windows; light, and nature. The best part of this is that they took care of their parents right nearby.

[@girard6061]

I can't click fast enough for all of your videos. Thanks for the consistent inspiring content.

[@kirstendirksen]

Thank you for the comment. I am also inspired by the creators.

[@teresacarle294]

@@kirstendirksen 😍Love your videos! Stunning ADU. ❤Adore an architect who gets the value of Clerestory Windows in HDL where privacy is a factor. (Prefer ones you can open for extra ventilation too. Also don't have to stress over Nightstalkers🕵️‍♂️bringing a ladder to enter through one.) Picture windows are lovely, but not worth it if you must keep covered 24/7 bcos of close neighbors or to protect from sweltering🌡hot☀️sun. Even worse, if you lose heating or cooling through them. Energy rates too high in Cali to waste power. In future, plz consider doing more 360° views inside each room. Sometimes feel like I am missing some vital perspectives. Always interesting to hear about systems too. Thank you! ☮Peace 💛Love 🌼Beauty from SF Valley area.

[@heldermoura6151]

LOVE IT !!! It tick's all my boxes. Simple, beautiful, affordable and practical.

[@susanr5546]

First off, I love Kirsten's videos. She finds some of the coolest homes. This home, I think, is absolutely inspired. I think this is a wonderful way to offer affordable housing to so many people all over the country. It helps, too, that the design is just gorgeous. I want to move in right now!

[@TallulahBelle3276]

Such a great idea to take care of your parents like this. You’re an amazing son. 💝🙏💝 My sisters n I take care of my Mom who’s living with dementia. My sister owns a 2 family house n our Mom lives on the first floor. Thankfully I’m a block away n can walk there in under 4mins. We share the time n our Mother will stay with us. I feel blessed that we’re able to do this. I know many others that don’t have a choice in these matters. You did a beautiful job on this home. I absolutely love the design.

[@suelyons531]

That's awesome. I wish more states would allow a second small home on an existing home lot. It would solve so many problems for so many people.

[@teresacarle294]

@Steve Slade This ADU is hardly jammed on the lot. Could be quite content in such a space. Could even be happy in a former garage space instead of a condo or apt, esp. considering all the vintage buildings that have not yet been retrofitted for earthquakes. Besides, in LA we have many smaller homes sitting on double lots we can't afford to water bcos of high utility rates. Nobody wants to have a rocky front or back yard, so we might as well double up on structures. Housing is so costly here that ppl are beginning to double up in SFRs anyway. Cramming extra ppl into single structures to be able to afford rents & mortgage of any type home will still impact road traffic. Plus, our corrupt politicians have been reducing traffic lanes on already congested streets to add bike lanes that few ppl actually use. Biking is killer here bcos the greater LA area is pretty large-' and our temps are usually too hot🌡. Our officials do little to combat bike theft bcos it's not a priority crime. They are also starting to charge for HOV lanes too.

[@paxundpeace9970]

This would be great but not all lots can accommodate a second home.

[@gaudia3985]

The way light is envisioned in the design and build makes them tops in my book as i love space and light and dislike walls. The brain cracking they do in conceptualizing is very evident in their output. Hats off. 🤠

[@ravent3016]

I'd be happy to have that ADU and yard as my primary home. Very comfortable and a visual treat.

[@migiurtini]

the amount of culture there's in this is amazing. They also look an amazing family. Love them!

[@denisecarter5117]

I love your home you built. I do wish you had shown the rooms in more detail, closets, cabinets, kitchen etc. The size is perfect.

[@airamseravat]

I like the "we had no money"

[@davidstoughton3340]

Yes, my idea of shoestring budget and his idea are in two different worlds

[@a0flj0]

@@davidstoughton3340 You have to consider that it took them years to scrape together everything you see, and that much of what you see is just carefully recycled old stuff. If you ask around and gather other people's garbage and don't mind putting in the effort to make it look good and be functional again, you can get a lot of stuff for almost free.

[@AnhH88]

it costs 500-600k for those types of designer house. no money is relative. prob cost them half as much.

[@a0flj0]

@@AnhH88 I doesn't cost at all that much if you do many things yourself. It costs that much if you don't even do the design yourself, and pay a construction company to do everything, from architectural plan to construction and interior finishing. If you're an architect yourself, you can get away with just paying the builders to build the walls and the roof, and put in windows and doors, electricity, water and sewage pipes. Furniture and painting you can do yourself.

[@mateojohnson8385]

@@a0flj0 “walls, roof, windows, doors, electricity, plumbing,” so basically the whole house?

[@Toodle.Pipp001]

Love the ceilings, well done.

[@backyardjunkie]

Absolutely love this one Kirsten, Bo's narrative, the mid build shots, arh, so much audible and visual information in just 14 + minutes. Thanks Kirsten, great job..

[@The14roscoe]

Definitely stealing some of these ideas for the imaginary house that I'll never build for myself. Nice to dream tho

[@TallulahBelle3276]

The14roscoe It is!!! I do the same thing. ✨💝👍🏼💯

[@TallulahBelle3276]

Mohamed Asad , YES!!! 💝🤗✨👍🏼💯🌞

[@TheArmedassailant]

Best comment ever 👌

[@bryceallen1334]

Go into the National Guard and get you a 20k sign on bonus. Then work a year in a steel mill. Get a loan from the bank and build. Then payoff in months. Debt free✋🏻

[@edwinstar100]

I mean the best for you, so don't take it as a criticism, Perhaps, stop saying never, that will ensure it never happens. Learn about borrowing money, it has never been cheaper, start a business. It takes goal setting and will power....make it happen. the tools you need to learn are here on youtube. As my father said make sure your dreams are big enough.

[@thinkplanetearth2946]

So much to like here. Love the reason for their building of the second home. Also, not only love the light and airy aesthetic of the home, but the fact that it's a smaller scale home. I've been watching your videos for some time now and really enjoy them, but I was curious if it was a conscious decision to not ask homeowners what the costs are associated with their build.

[@teresacarle294]

Yes, I wondered about that too. She also didn't inquire about systems, including solar requirements for new builds in Cali.

[@chezmoi42]

No doubt you could get more information from the architect, since his website is listed below the video.

[@masonkim7]

the stepped ceiling remindis me of a Mayan or Aztec temple. pretty neat.

[@applejacks0711]

Btw, 👏on this description! Super thorough, informative, and educational on not just the the aesthetics but architectural influences. Love this channel for its depth in each video about history of the home, the property, the spaces, etc.

[@mauricepowers3804]

I love this house especially the ceiling but everything is just amazing one of the best I've seen!!!!!

[@illestj3990]

super cool slat kitchen barrier/display/stairs and the drawer cubbie shelves are so sweet. this is a really respectful way to add to the property. this is my favorite channel!

[@GraceCanadaful]

I absolutely love it - cozy yet modern, small yet spacious. Big enough for two. Beautiful project.

[@1_viewer]

I like the way the two structures mirror each other a lot. It is also cool the way they used materials to create the in-law to keep costs lower. I know Bo mentions that converted garages are not something he particularly likes. I do like them. An older converted garage can be enchanting when converted. Especially the early 20th century ones that have redwood timber and stay true to the original architectural feel. Thank you Kirsten for sharing this.

[@ragemodels]

Thank you #KirstineDirksen this was an absolute Gem. Love the architecture and soul behind the creation!! That walnut tree is beautiful and so are all the highrise windows and the absolutely stunning roof / ceiling!!! Looked like a ship !!! Beautiful sense of aesthetics!!!🌳🏡🌳

[@ryefry]

I absolutely love that ceiling! This house is so cool. I wish we could have seen the bathroom though.

[@getlostwhenwondering393]

Wow, I love this home.♥️ The stairs, the windows and the roof. The kitchen is a good size. You are blessed to be able to care for your parents.

[@paraquetepike]

I love that I saw you taking the shoes off that is a great gesture of respect. Thank you for doing that. Keep up the good work. Love your videos.

[@bengt_axle]

Great design, modest materials. A winning combination.

[@bengt_axle]

@Steve Slade The DF is cladding, not solid. Also, if you look carefully, it's possible to see that the stairs are LVL or some kind of engineered wood product. Agree though that the carpentry on the ceiling is not easy but it adds a lot to the space. Nice mid century vibe and Japanese go well together.

[@smallfootprint2961]

Great home. I'm glad Cali has done that. I know that a lot of people were doing it anyway. Years ago there used to lots with 2 houses on them, but then they got snooty and made the requirement of the R1 lot creating low density. Funny, though that the state, county, city can take the property and make whatever they want. Where we lived had a house in front and back... little craftsman cottages... were torn down to build a freeway on ramp. Really lowered to ambiance of the neighborhood. Progress... I guess.

[@orlando1a1]

What a wonderful house - where form is in harmony with function. Thank you, Kirsten.

[@lydiarowe491]

To utilise on existing land without taking away from the green space and resolving so many other issues..Doing on a shoestring becomes the challenge that gives so much more when complete.. Far more than expected internally..

[@BrentsTreehouse]

The stair shelf idea is interesting. Very nice proportions for this space, and the stepped ceiling is nice. The split level design wouldn't work for older adults with functional limitations. Curious to know about the costs and red-tape of getting an ADU built.

[@evalinawarne1337]

Any age difficulties with STEPS.

[@TWROC96]

Now that is the way to make a smaller home- beautiful, functional, and cost savings. Well done and good on them.

[@azimuthclark462]

amazing. I'm researching tiny homes trying to get some good ideas. This house has given me a few. beautiful work

[@suziperret468]

Wow…Exceptional use of light and vaulted ceilings ,windows, and walls that meet in unique situations. Great job!

[@MyDiamondLife]

What a brilliant couple - they did an exceptional job with this home. Very interested in more of his work and his ideas.

[@marywest2896]

these two are brilliant! wow. they took a life challenge and turned it into something beautiful. house is not only beautiful but so are their hearts.

[@colortura]

Fantastic ADU. They did a great job for a modest budget. It looks very expensinve.

[@eugeniustheodidactus8890]

*Brilliant designs!!!* Love the ceilings.

[@Strylover]

I love this. The creativity, the spacious feel....in such a small space. Very nice looking.

Nice sharing Have a nice day

[@susand484]

They are wonderful designers! They make me want to live in one of their spaces, wherever they are no matter..

[@lifehealingmagic]

A lovely work of art! 💕 I love the knowledge dropped by these architects on this tour. What a treat to have an elevated conversation about a space, and what it means

[@JasonPolkovitz]

That ceiling is gorgeous. And not letting the framing define the windows is lovely.

[@sharonkeller7397]

I loved how they used the beams in this home! What a great idea, and it's beautiful! I also like the way the ceilings are not flat but have height and are enjoyable to look at. The natural wood makes it even more appealing. :)

[@coejbee]

Wow I love the set up of this property. The main house and the ADU, the landscaping, driveway and fence/gate. It all just looks warm and homey, pretty, and comfortable.

[@IfIHadItMyWay]

We really liked the desgn features of this tiny house as well as their other projects. Specifically, not having wals go all the way to the ceiling; it is a feature we inteded to use in our tiny home in Missouri. Excellent video!

[@stellawhite5740]

Your ADU is beautiful! I was impressed with the usage of the drawers as well as the ceiling throughout the dwelling.

[@jspotdot]

Great use of creativity and functionality working seamlessly. Beautiful

[@nickpilgrim1966]

Wonderful. Congrats on great architectural design and construction. Really good. And a nice video.

[@marlenedietrich2468]

I find the other tiny homes interesting to watch but I don't think I could ever live in one of those. This is completely different, it's so well thought out and they obviously have put consideration into making it feel like like a long-term livable and homely house. I love the ceiling and small square windows, it's all very beautiful and you can definitely tell that they're architects and know what they're doing

[@rondihoover5605]

Another brilliant person doing brilliant things. Love this.

[@stuartb9194]

Your have both done a great job, the house looks great on video and your ideas come across really well. Great to see how well the garden turned out too.

[@kazoosc]

nice attention to detail love those steps up to the loft space. bookshelf, seating space, sightlines that open up the space -- all in one ceiling adds nice texture as opposed to the usual flat plane and he needs to clean his gutters and then put on a gutter shield

[@tamiloucks8018]

Love their designs! Great video Kirsten!

[@paulo7200]

Wonderful creation and use of space.

[@imari2305]

A really beautiful design and lay out. Love the color on the exterior of the home.

[@mikeradie7758]

Very cool!! Awesome design, all the way!! Love it..

[@emiraydnerkoc5436]

very beautiful house. very stylish and beautiful in the garden. I wish your a happy life. Greetings from Türkiye..

[@_w_w_]

Finally a designer I like - that think about creating separation/barrier for the kitchen in small spaces. I never understood the obsession of US designers that remove the wall to the kitchen in small spaces to make it "open space". By attempt to make the space feel larger, they essentially make cooking experience a nightmare by allowing any cooking smell to permeate into the entire unit and possibly even make your bedding smell like food. Wall or separation to the kitchen is a must, especially in small spaces.

[@mailacolon1397]

Ohhh wow!!!! Es simplemente espectacular. Son los mejores diseños de tiny house que he visto . Gracias 👌👌 Estoy diseñando la mía y tomaré en consideración algunas de estas ideas MARAVILLOSAS.

[@kayrabey1344]

I like this house a lot! Very creative. The ceiling is beautiful.

[@margiepeary8003]

Beautiful, expansive use of space!

[@mompuff6857]

Awesome Architecture!! Great for the Architect !! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Johanna.EG.]

I'm surprised they didn't think more about accessibility issues when building a home for his aging parents.

[@scdobserver835]

Precisely.

[@aljowen]

On the one hand yes, on the other hand "use it or loose it" is a thing, so maybe they didn't see 4 or so steps to get to the kitchen as a problem.

[@darrisnelson5223]

I was thinking the same thing especially dealing with Alzheimer’s.

[@bosundius]

We did. We were gonna have some steps no matter what because of the topography. And we thought that as long as the bathroom and bedroom were on same level that’s what mattered most.

[@ryefry]

@@bosundius so cool you answered, a lot of people wouldn't follow up like that.

[@thefrub]

Really cool camera work as always. I like how you guys just kind of automatically spread out to get different angles

[@sharlenedegazon-legay9746]

Absolutely amazing!I am speechless!!

[@alexleadbetter]

Beautiful house, and love the reasoning behind the design

[@kimberlystone3987]

That’s fantastic!!! Well done

[@afringedweller]

Thank you for sharing this marvelous job!

[@lithiumgirl3991]

I love the steps, and the ceiling, floor construction and simplicity is like being in a barn, a really, pretty, barn.

[@lithiumgirl3991]

The roof amazing ... I’d love to lay on the floor in the living room and just stare at it ... Shrooms ... or no shrooms. I think it would be a trip.

[@zx5218]

A custom house like this one in my area is well above my means but what I glean from this vid is great ideas for a house remodel that I can afford. Gran travajo Kristen! You're still light years ahead of the pack.

[@robinjones394]

The house is so beautiful.. I particularly love the roof structure.... I’m amazed you got something that creative permitted...did you have to do the engineering behind the roof structure? I like the kitchen ceiling/floor... i can see how that might save money... but you did so many things differently in this house... I can’t believe the city approved all of them... I also can’t believe you were able to build this house on a shoestring budget.. it does not look like that.. wow.. love your other designs too..

[@sugarbomb26]

Stunning and ceilings to die for!

[@pirosroza3183]

wow, very creative couple! Love their ideas!

[@CAsaidit]

I love how she was able to bring the drawers that belonged to her grandparents and incorporate them into a house for his dad and have it look so sleek and fitting.

[@paigepooler9036]

Love this little house and this couple's style!

[@stuartsutherland7664]

Lovely home ! I particularly like the way the architects have maximised the use of daylight and raised ceilings to create an illusion of space.

[@afimearts]

This design is one of my favourites. They did their home work brilliant!

[@silverlicious2086]

Really good design and use of available space.

[@0HARE]

So glad to see the whole state embracing ADUs. This couple were blessed with a beautiful landscape. The ADU is very beautifully realized. I really like the stair stepped ceiling. Thanks for the tour.

[@aquadesignsbymlt4769]

Incredible designs! I love the Japanese style influence. The precious wooden boxes from her parents home in Japan were a wonderful touch! When my Grandmother in Austria passed away the home my grandfather built was sold. I was only able to bring a few things back home with me. I brought some copper pots, black wrought iron wine dispenser and some linens. The linens I use and I enjoy the memories. I also have her kitchen apron 🙂 I love this video and these designers Japanese influence. Very Beautiful!

[@V4D2]

This is ..hands down..amongst the top 3 designs that i haven been privileged to witness, in this channel. The approach and the actual plan drawing is brilliant, and the result is as simple as it is beautiful. i’ve got some concerns when it comes to energy use , but considering it is LA...i reckon it won’t have that much of a Carbon footprint. Thank you Kirsten, yet again, And congrats to the architect/owners. i’m thinking of actually contacting them. cheers from Portugal

[@gailalbers1430]

i like the “boxes/rooms” but on a different level ( i now live in a desert environment -so: dust) but ; how about the dust on top of the boxes. The one box has a loft on it - how about having a little bridge ?

[@rockstarofredondo]

l wouId’ve done a Ioft over the bathroom and bedroom for an additionaI sIeeping area. Seems Iike a IittIe bit of wasted space up there to me.

[@aquadesignsbymlt4769]

Cool idea! That looks like a catwalk made out of wood though.

[@PiersRippey]

I love that it looks unobtrusive, even mundane, from the outside (kind to your neighbors) but totally unconventional and design-y indoors. The low budget hacks and sentimental quirks are really inspiring. Kirsten come tour my weird apartment in Portland!

[@jacobedwards4942]

love it! Unique roof/ceiling. i see the guitars and pedals, the acoustics could be very interesting!

[@bosundius]

We do rent it now. And the last couple was a composer and a dancer. They loved it. Inspired a production last year by the LA contemporary dance company as they celebrated the creation of their new home for the dance company. The dancers literally built structures with their bodies to sounds composed in the space. it was amazing! Design is a gift that gets passed along and at its best is transformed by each hand.

[@krispiflowers]

Really beautiful design. Everything feels considered and polished.

[@helgafalckenberg6635]

Awesome buildings, Thanks for ur uploads! Stay safe and healthy 😍😍

[@dinglebarry528]

I absolutely love this small home. So much better than Tiny Homes with such a narrow living space. This house is really livable for a longer period of time.

[@ShawnLangford]

Wow simple and beautiful.

[@laurah9500]

I love their ideas and concepts around light openings and not wanting to feel confined in a space

[@jernikof]

Lovely home...good video

[@heinrichbuchler8491]

Cool work you made i love it it's so nice build and how need more space then this👍❤

[@kaddylakk2225]

Wow! We need more homes like this great ideas.

[@jacqcoldwell7225]

Absolutely beautiful design