At Quartersawn Design Build, we work with homeowners who are thinking beyond the now—people who want a home that evolves with their lives. As families grow, needs shift, and priorities change, we believe your home should offer flexible, thoughtful solutions. One such solution? The Accessory Dwelling Unit.
Often referred to as ADUs, these secondary living spaces offer far more than extra square footage. They’re carefully crafted environments designed to support multigenerational living, aging in place, creative endeavors, or even income generation—all while staying rooted in the neighborhood you love.
Whether nestled above a garage, tucked into a backyard, or integrated into an existing structure, an ADU is a self-contained home with a kitchen, bathroom, and living area. And when done right, it’s more than functional—it’s bespoke, beautiful, and built to last.
What Exactly Is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a fully equipped secondary residence located on the same property as your primary home. Depending on your lot, it might take the form of a detached cottage, an attached addition, or a skillfully reimagined garage. Regardless of its layout, an ADU brings intentional design to how we live, work, and care for one another across generations.
For many of our homeowners, an ADU offers a way to remain close to loved ones while still honoring independence and privacy. Some plan ahead for future living arrangements—envisioning a smaller, easier-to-navigate home for themselves down the road. Others view it as a smart investment: a guest retreat, a creative studio, or a space for boomerang children.
These spaces are deeply personal, and the design process should reflect that. At Quartersawn, we treat ADUs not as one-size-fits-all additions, but as custom-crafted homes in their own right.
A Real-World Example: St. Anthony ADU
One of our favorite ADU projects is the St. Anthony ADU—a 610-square-foot retreat thoughtfully placed behind a South Minneapolis home. It was envisioned as a welcoming place for out-of-town family and, one day, perhaps aging parents.
The structure strikes a balance between simplicity and elegance: vaulted ceilings and skylights flood the space with natural light, while high-performance systems keep it efficient and comfortable year-round. Its modern Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic makes it feel both timeless and fresh—a peaceful sanctuary just steps away from the main house.
What Our Homeowners Are Saying
In a recent interview with the Star Tribune, the family behind the St. Anthony ADU reflected on the journey of bringing their ADU to life. Years of dreaming and sketching turned into a collaboration rooted in trust, clear communication, and shared vision.
“We love it,” they told us. “We feel really lucky to have had this opportunity and to have worked with a team who could bring our ideas into reality.”
The project is a true example of how, when you build an ADU with intention, you can blend form and function with a personal touch.
Why Choose Quartersawn for Your ADU?
Building an ADU is not just a construction project—it’s a layered process involving zoning, permitting, architectural design, and a deep understanding of how families live and evolve.
At Quartersawn, we’ve helped numerous homeowners navigate the complex path from idea to move-in day. Our approach is collaborative and transparent. We guide you through feasibility studies, design development, and every necessary approval, ensuring your ADU is not only legal and livable but meaningful and enduring.
With an eye toward longevity, craftsmanship, and the little details that make a space truly yours, we’re here to help you envision—and create—a home that’s ready for what’s next.