Lighthouse ADU

SANTA CRUZ GREEN BUILDERS  /  ADU

Staking Out a Backyard Retreat

On Santa Cruz’s Westside, where indoor-outdoor living is a way of life, this newly completed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is less an accessory and more a retreat. Thoughtfully designed and carefully sited, the ADU connects effortlessly to the main house with a raised patio deck featuring a custom pergola, fire pit and sunken hot tub. The result is more than an ADU; it’s an indoor-outdoor retreat space that enhances daily life and property value.

Efficient, High-Impact Kitchen

Inside, the kitchen proves that small doesn’t mean limited. The layout is compact but highly functional, with every inch doing the work. A center island keeps the space feeling open and uncluttered. Rift-sawn white oak cabinetry introduces warmth and grain, balanced by clean lines and micro appliances.

‘It Doesn’t Feel Like 472 sq/ft’

A smart floorplan design featuring a built-in office nook and a mix of custom cabinetry throughout, reduces the need for excess furniture. Fluted-wood wall paneling adds more warmth and a touch of craftsmanship that creates a sense of quality and permanence.

A Bathroom with a Pop of Color

The bathroom offers a moment of surprise in contrast to the otherwise warm, neutral palette of the ADU. A pop of color from the shower cement floor tiles brings energy and personality into the space without overwhelming it. It’s a small but impactful moment in the home.

Together, these elements create an ADU that feels intentional, livable, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Video Testimonial

‘A Pop of Color’

Take a video tour of this ADU and learn about the design process in an interview with Santa Cruz Green Builders Interior Designer Ariela Najman and the homeowner.

Architecture, Interior Design, and Construction by Santa Cruz Green Builders

Video: Lumber & Pixel Co.
Photography: Scott Donschikowski