From Demolition to Design: A Hillside Duplex and ADU Built from the Ground Up

Perched on a challenging hillside site, this newly completed project is more than just a collection of structures—it’s a study in smart engineering, adaptive design, and environmental stewardship. What began as the demolition of an aging two-unit apartment building with a basement has now been transformed into a stunning ground-up build: a modern duplex paired with a spacious ADU, designed to work in harmony with the land and climate.

The main duplex spans a generous 4,000 square feet, while the ADU adds another 1,100 square feet of living space. Each of the duplex’s two residences offers multiple bedrooms and four bathrooms, ideal for families or shared living. The ADU, equally well-appointed, includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms—perfectly suited for guests, extended family, or long-term rental income.

But the beauty of this project isn’t just in the square footage—it’s in the strategy. Built on a hillside lot where the rear of the site was 20 feet lower than the front, the team at MADE faced significant engineering challenges from the outset. To stabilize the structures, we drilled and installed 16 caissons deep into the earth, forming a stable foundation for the buildings. Given the presence of non-native fill soil, much of the earth had to be exported, and the buildings themselves now rest securely on grade beams tied into the caisson system.

This technical groundwork allowed us to build confidently and efficiently—without compromising design. The ADU features a stunning 15-foot white pocket door that disappears entirely into the wall, blurring the boundary between indoors and out. The entire site is thoughtfully designed to manage water sustainably. Rainwater is collected and funneled into a system of underground stormwater detention tanks and a basin at the lowest point of the lot. The driveway, surfaced in permeable brick pavers, allows water to percolate naturally, with excess runoff feeding into the site’s larger stormwater system.

Each of the three units is equipped with solar panels, aligning with the client’s goal of long-term energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. This commitment to sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the project’s aesthetic and functionality—from materials and mechanicals to landscaping and lighting.

At every step, the complexity of the site inspired creativity. This wasn’t just a build—it was a puzzle to solve, a canvas to elevate. By leaning into the site’s natural slope and limitations, we were able to design homes that feel anchored, intentional, and fully responsive to their environment.

The result is a project that feels grounded—literally and figuratively. Each unit offers privacy, beauty, and performance, all while sitting lightly on the land. It’s a hillside transformation that combines architectural ambition with practical, future-forward thinking.