World-Class Affordable Housing Design Developed in California

ByJon Dykstra Houses

The captured image portrays a residential edifice designed in a black and white color scheme, with a prominently featured red door that accentuates its architectural exterior.

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Architect: Martin Fenlon Architecture
Location: Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA
Area: 350 s.f.
Project Year: 2017 – 2018
Photography: John Linden
Project Team: Martin Fenlon, Kaiyun Cheng
Structural Engineering: Martin Fenlon

In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.

The image captures an exterior view of the house, emphasizing its utilization of cost-effective fiber-cement siding and the formation of a partially enclosed entryway.
The image captures an exterior view of the house, emphasizing its utilization of cost-effective fiber-cement siding and the formation of a partially enclosed entryway.
This is an exterior view of a contemporary residential property, showcasing its red door and stairway.
This is an exterior view of a contemporary residential property, showcasing its red door and stairway.
The modern dwelling is accompanied by a spacious garage positioned in front of the property.
The modern dwelling is accompanied by a spacious garage positioned in front of the property.
The captured image presents a view from the staircase, showcasing the red door and the fiber-cement sidings that adorn the exterior wall of the house.
The captured image presents a view from the staircase, showcasing the red door and the fiber-cement sidings that adorn the exterior wall of the house.
This photograph depicts a house with a generously sized window and a staircase leading to it, captured during the nighttime.
This photograph depicts a house with a generously sized window and a staircase leading to it, captured during the nighttime.
The dining area, situated on a specific corner of the house, features a table and chairs intended for two occupants and is complemented by a skylight overhead.
The dining area, situated on a specific corner of the house, features a table and chairs intended for two occupants and is complemented by a skylight overhead.
The captured image showcases a kitchen, equipped with a stovetop oven, and accompanied by a dining table.
The captured image showcases a kitchen, equipped with a stovetop oven, and accompanied by a dining table.
This image portrays a kitchen featuring white cabinetry and modern stainless steel appliances.
This image portrays a kitchen featuring white cabinetry and modern stainless steel appliances.
An illustration of different sides of the house's exterior.
An illustration of different sides of the house’s exterior.
A representation of the floor plan for the Rodgers ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit).
A representation of the floor plan for the Rodgers ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit).
These are top-down views of the house, captured from two different angles.
These are top-down views of the house, captured from two different angles.
This is an architectural plan of a two-story house.
This is an architectural plan of a two-story house.

The Rodgers ADU, located in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, is a low-cost, sustainable example of an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), which is a relatively new typology in California. An ADU is a legal second dwelling, complete with its own separate address, on a lot zoned for only one house.

In 2017, a new state law went into effect in response to a statewide housing shortage which encourages homeowners to build these. In Los Angeles, the construction of new affordable housing units has been outpaced by population growth. Affordable ADUs offer some relief to this ongoing housing crisis.

At the back of the site, a freestanding studio-type dwelling has been added to the top of an existing garage. The structure orients away from the main house and its yard, maintaining mutual privacy. The roof of the ADU slopes down from west to east, directing the rainwater to a rain tank in the back for reuse.

Clad in economical fiber-cement siding, the ADU reaches down to the ground, while the stucco cladding of the garage reaches up, forming a semi-enclosed entry sequence. Inside, there is an efficient studio layout. The ceiling, which is punctuated by a centrally placed skylight, follows the roof slope and gently slopes up to the west. Windows facing the south and west bring in an abundance of natural light. The windows, together with the operable skylight, act as a solar chimney to passively cool the space.

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Jon Dykstra
Jon Dykstra

Jon practiced law before launching his online publishing career, bringing analytical rigor to everything he builds. Home Stratosphere combines that precision with a lifelong obsession with residential design — architecture, interiors, landscape, and furniture.

His current focus is AI-driven design analysis, using artificial intelligence to study patterns in color, layout, and material choice across thousands of homes. His Personality Type Home Design Guide applies personality frameworks to interior aesthetics, helping readers design spaces that reflect how they actually think and live.

His favorite piece on the site is the 25 Most Popular Designs, is a daily-updated ranking of the top designs over the last 30 days, driven entirely by visitor activity. The feedback is invaluable for understanding what resonates most with readers. LinkedIn

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