Tweto Architecture
Mason Street ADU front elevation, white gable with exposed fir eave and wood-clad recessed entry, ornamental grasses and a bicycle by the door, NE Portland, by Tweto Architecture

Mason Street ADU

ADU · Northeast Portland

This 425 SF ADU is located on a corner lot in the King neighborhood in NE Portland. The main house on the property is a distinctive former grocery store, so Tweto Architecture worked to create an equally distinctive and assertive design for the ADU despite its small size.

Contractor: Ben Shook

The exterior stands out with a steeply pitched roof with deep overhangs. Simple fiber cement siding provides a durable, cost-effective siding choice. Selective wood details in the recessed entry and underside of the eaves enliven the exterior. Deep set windows provide depth and interest in the otherwise simple form.

The one-bedroom ADU is organized with the kitchen and living area at the front looking out to the street. The bedroom and bathroom are tucked under a loft at the back of the ADU for privacy. The loft above creates a bonus room currently used as bonus space for the owner. The front area faces south and generous glazing, four skylights, and steeply sloped vaulted roof keep the space bright and welcoming. A compact kitchen along the west wall completes the front great-room.

The floors are polished concrete, the ceiling of the bedroom features exposed Douglas Fir framing and decking, and a large built-in bookcase on the back wall of the living room complements the front window. The exterior is 3" exposure fiber cement with hand selected, salvaged Douglas Fir cladding inside the recessed front porch.

Mason Street ADU at dusk with interior lights on and stepping stone path leading to the lit entry, NE Portland, by Tweto Architecture
Gable peak close-up showing exposed fir rafter tails under the deep eave, Mason Street ADU by Tweto Architecture Recessed entry porch lined with salvaged fir cladding, house number 959 on the facade, Mason Street ADU by Tweto Architecture
Open great room looking toward the bedroom hall, sofa and built-in wood bookcase below the loft, kitchen along the left wall, Mason Street ADU by Tweto Architecture
Living room looking toward the south-facing front windows, vaulted ceiling with skylights and loft beam above, Mason Street ADU by Tweto Architecture
Kitchen wall with white flat-front cabinets, butcher block countertop, farmhouse sink, and white square tile backsplash, Mason Street ADU by Tweto Architecture
View from living room into the bedroom hallway with exposed fir ceiling, loft above with plants visible, built-in bookcase on right, Mason Street ADU by Tweto Architecture Interior view toward the glazed front door set in a deep teal-painted surround, vaulted ceiling and loft above, kitchen to the right, Mason Street ADU by Tweto Architecture
Bedroom with exposed Douglas Fir beam-and-deck ceiling, horizontal band window above the bed, and wall sconces on either side, Mason Street ADU by Tweto Architecture
Loft level showing two plywood-door closets and a built-in desk nook with exposed fir ceiling, Mason Street ADU by Tweto Architecture
Bathroom with white square tile, pedestal vanity, and plywood door on dark teal walls, Mason Street ADU by Tweto Architecture Bathroom with full white square tile walls, curbless shower with curtain rod, and teal painted ceiling, Mason Street ADU by Tweto Architecture

The Mason Street ADU was originally designed for an older parent. Unfortunately the parent passed before it could be completed. The client shifted gears and completed the project anyway, as a short term rental, which has provided a useful rental income while also being available for their own use as guest house and birthday party spot. Their ultimate plan is to live in the ADU once their kids leave home and rent out their main house. The ADU is a case study in the flexible uses of an ADU.

ADU floor plan with key showing covered porch, living, dining, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, loft, washer/dryer, closet, and desk, Mason Street ADU by Tweto Architecture
Built-in desk nook in the loft with butcher block surface, task lamp, and floating shelf above, Mason Street ADU by Tweto Architecture
Mason Street ADU from the street side, steeply pitched gable with fir eave and fiber cement siding, NE Portland, by Tweto Architecture
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