Seattle architecture firm SHED has designed this compact home for a couple who wanted to live in a smaller dwelling on their own property.
The project, called Alley Cat, was created for a couple who reside in a craftsman-style house in Seattle's Ballard neighbourhood.

Because the clients travel frequently, they decided to rent out their main residence and create a "compact home base" for themselves in the backyard.
They turned to local firm SHED Architecture and Design to create what is known as a detached version of an auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU).
The clients had several requests for their small abode. They wanted it to have a separate identity from their primary home, as well as a strong relationship to the existing garden and easy access to an alley. Moreover, they requested that it be low-maintenance and able to accommodate photovoltaic panels.
"In addition, the client was hoping for an interior space open to the sun, and with primary rooms on one level for aging-in-place," SHED said.
The team conceived a modern dwelling that totals 800 square feet (74 square metres). The building is located on the eastern side of the clients' property, between the garden and an ADU parking space that is required by law.
Rectangular in plan, the building has an asymmetrical, gabled form that is scaled in accordance with neighbouring homes.

"In appearance the building is reminiscent of a cat whose back is flattening to the ground, ready to pounce," the ...