Modern ADU Kitchen in Del Ray, Alexandria, Virginia

This ADU (accessory dwelling unit) project gained momentum through a citywide initiative in Alexandria to better structure zoning regulations to accommodate their construction. It provides a retreat for the homeowners - even more so for their children - and offers an AirBnB or inlaw situation, too. All of these factors pushed our clients into considering constructing an ADU and the addition was designed with these constraints precisely in mind. The space is equipped with a full bath and W/D unit, a sleeping quarter with bunk beds that can easily be used as an office, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy den that opens up to the outdoor space for hosting. The kitchen specifically was designed around the idea of opening up into this liminal courtyard space that is framed between the ADU and the back of the principal house. The sink and main appliances all face large windows out towards the street, and the larger working countertop space has countertop-resting windows that pull open 10ft accommodating a bar overhang to the outdoors.

Cabinets by Elmwood Cabinets, style "Mission" with 2.25" rail in "Olive Groove." Hardware by Top Knobs, bar pulls in matte black. Countertops by Caesarstone, style "Calacatta Nuovo" 3cm quartz in a honed finish. Refrigerator/freezer by Sub-Zero, panel-ready column. Dishwasher by Miele. Speed oven by GE Profile, 27". Range by Wolf, 24" induction cooktop. Wine cooler by U-Line, 24". Design and construction by Four Brothers Design + Build. Photography by Steve Hershberger.