A quiet cul-de-sac in South Orange, New Jersey, is home to this modest ADU, a home beside a home that makes for a thoughtful alternative to downsizing. To accommodate a form of multi-generational living that worked for their clients, Out of Line Office built the Swoop ADU. This 750-square-foot addition enabled the homeowner to have her own independent living space while passing the main property to her daughter. Rather than creating a new structure that stood out from the existing 1980s split-level house, the new building follows the forms and colors of the main house, creating what appears to be a larger structure in line with its suburban surroundings.
Following the form of the main house with a gently curving facade line that divides the top and bottom stories, the ADU appears seamlessly connected to the existing structure. This dividing line becomes the new home’s visual identity, sweeping up at one point into a peak to become a covered awning above its entrance. Inside, the soft curves of the outside are continued in subtle ways with a wave painted on one wall to mimic the exterior, circular windows, and custom built-ins adding to the bespoke interiors. A restrained palette of terrazzo and corresponding neutral grey colors keep the feel of the home calm and contemporary. High ceilings give the compact home a sense of scale, while the airy living space feels larger thanks to large sliding doors that connect directly to the garden.
Photography © Rafael Gamo