PREFAB ADU.

A sustainable Accessory Dwelling Unit designed to pilot panelized prefabricated construction and serve as a community resource in Portland.

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Portland, OR

Housing

Project Management

Concordia ADU is a sustainable Accessory Dwelling Unit designed to pilot panelized prefabricated construction and serve as a community resource. The ADU pushes the boundaries of low tolerance construction in Portland through the use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for the exterior walls and roof panels, and a close collaboration with the construction team. The project features an accessible interior crawlspace that provides temperature-stable storage space, accessible via the ADU's main door facing the block's alleyway and an "invisible" floor hatch.

As Project Manager, Vela worked closely with Grains of Salt to execute a low-tolerance project with extreme attention to detail. The project posed several challenges, including coordinating multiple trades and ensuring all materials aligned with the three-dimensional grid. Tight collaboration and communication between all subcontractors were essential to ensure the successful landing of all components on the module.

The project's successful completion resulted in a euro birch ply interior finish scope, where all panel seams align with exterior fenestration, coordinated with exterior wood slat modules. The ADU also integrates an industrial-grade floor hatch for access to the underground storage space, with a delicate cork flooring finish, providing utility without interfering with the ADU's finely detailed aesthetic.

Small kitchen and dining area with a wooden table, white chairs, a bed in the corner, and a sliding glass door leading outside.
Minimalist dining area with a wooden table, four chairs, and a potted plant, adjacent to a modern kitchen with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances, with a sliding glass door and skylights providing natural light.
Interior view of a room with light wood paneling, a window on the left, and a door leading to a tiled shower area in the background. There are built-in cabinets and a sliding door with colorful circular designs.
Bathroom with a white sink, gray cabinet, round mirror, and a wall-mounted light fixture.
A wooden front door with a vertical glass window on the right side, surrounded by light-colored wood paneling in an interior hallway.
Small modern wooden building with a sloped roof, sliding glass door, outdoor beige seating area, and gravel ground.
Inside a modern shower with beige tiled walls, featuring a wall-mounted showerhead and a handheld shower attachment, with a built-in shelf holding bottles of shower products.
Two construction workers building the wooden frame of a house. They are on the roof, using tools, and ladders are positioned nearby. The house is in the early stages of construction, with plywood sheathing on the exterior.
Shadow of tree branches on a wall with construction framing at the bottom

Credits

Design: Grains of Salt - Catherine Chao
Carpentry: Compound Construction
Millwork:
SG Martin Woodworks
Photography:
David Kressler