Crafted Dwelling™ no. 2

A nurturing, light-filled studio for teaching and learning

Crafted Dwelling No. 2 is designed for a passionate high school educator who envisions her backyard ADU not just as a private retreat, but as a quiet place of connection—where she can tutor students, prepare lessons, and foster growth in a calm and inspiring environment.

The 750 sq ft unit draws inspiration from Montessori principles: open sightlines, flexible layouts, and tactile materials that support focused learning. The palette of soft white, sky blue, and subdued lime green creates a soothing backdrop while encouraging alertness and creativity. Selective wood paneling adds warmth and a grounded sensibility, echoing the design language of early California modernism.

Natural light is prioritized throughout: clerestory windows and strategically placed skylights offer balanced daylight across key zones—desk area, reading nook, and entry. Built-in cabinetry keeps the space free of clutter, and furniture is kept low-profile and movable to adapt to individual or small group learning.

More than just a backyard unit, The Educator’s Nook is a curated teaching tool: crafted, thoughtful, and deeply personal. It demonstrates how an ADU can become a space of impact, designed not only for comfort—but for purpose.