Named a Finalist for the LA County Homeless Initiative’s Housing Innovation Challenge, our A+DU for the Homeless: 21st Century Accessory Dwelling Unit Prototype is designed for chronically homeless individuals and families, especially the aging and the physically disabled. 

A+DU is an innovative and scalable housing prototype designed to be implemented in partnership with Union Station Homeless Services as part of scattered-site housing programs.  A+DU expands the concept of “Accessory Dwelling Unit” to exponential possibilities: Accessible, Adjustable, Automated, Autonomous, Assemblable, Adaptable, Affordable, and Aspirational. A+DU builds upon Pasadena’s plans to incentivize building and renting A+DUs for tenant-based rental assistance and can easily scale-up throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

A+DU is a systems-based highly adaptable prototype, deliberately simple in form and geometry. The design eschews grand architectural statements and instead focuses on the structural, climatic, functional, contextual flexibility and performance. Annual utility expenses will be reduced dramatically by the building’s zero-net energy design and its compact size. The pre-manufactured components are significantly cheaper than a conventional site-built structure. Modular and repetitive component-based construction provides additional economy.

A+DU is a compact 354-sq.ft., one-bedroom accessory dwelling unit.

A+DU is Accessible. Founded in Universal Design principles, designed to target the homeless population that is rapidly aging and with physical disabilities.

A+DU features many Adjustable components to accommodate various degrees of abilities and disabilities.

A+DU has many Automated Systems, which facilitate Autonomous living for the occupants to gain independence. Harvesting solar energy, passive and active systems, it achieves zero-net energy performance.

A+DU is designed for easy Assembly and Disassembly. It is a kit-pf-parts systems-based building with components pre-manufactured off-site and assemble quickly on site.

A+DU is Adaptable to different site contexts and occupant types and sizes.

A+DU is Aspirational allowing individuals and families to live independently within Pasadena neighborhoods and breaking the stigma of homeless and affordable housing.

A+DU is Affordable not only for the homeless individuals and families who qualify for rental assistance, but also for the homeowner who can earn passive income or even pay for the construction loan of the unit.

According to the 2018 count, 677 individuals and families are experiencing homelessness in Pasadena, a 26% increase from 2016. Unlike traditional homeless shelters and affordable housing projects which face severe community opposition, require complex financing and construction, expense, and take years to develop, A+DU is quick and cost-effective. A+DU is not only affordable for the renters, but also for the landlord who can use in-place construction loans to build their A+DUs and earn a passive income.