Event Description

With the housing crises well underway, we need to get more creative on housing types and land use. Enter An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). This is a smaller housing unit built on the same lot as a primary dwelling (also known as an Additional or Auxiliary Dwelling Units)—think granny flat, in-law unit, laneway house). It has an arrangement for sleeping, cooking, and lavatory. The uses are myriad—for family members, guest spaces, rental income, or more. Sheri brings 25 attractive, well-designed ADUs profiled coast to coast in the US and Canada and will highlight a few of them in this discussion. This will include information about the type of construction, the major green features, and how it is used. We will also feature two special guest speakers behind the design of 2 of these projects to get their perspective as designers. 

Bonus: One lucky attendee will win a copy of the book. 

Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*

- Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
- Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
- Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW) 
- Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
- Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health, Materials, Water, Place 
- American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD) 
- State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
- Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier 
- Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)

Lessons Learned 
- Understand that ADUs can promote health by providing affordable and accessible housing for individuals who may not have access to it otherwise. 
- Analyze the safety features of ADUs to ensure they are secure for occupants and do not pose a risk to the primary dwelling or surrounding community. 
- Introduce regulations that prioritize the welfare of occupants and ensure that ADUs meet certain standards for living conditions, such as adequate ventilation and natural light. 
- Articulate the importance of sustainable construction practices in ADU design, including the use of environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, to promote long-term sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint of the housing sector.