Crest ADU

An inconspicuous accessory dwelling with a Contemporary Craftsman style

Location  |  Eugene, Oregon
Project Type  |  Accessory Dwellings
Size  |  384 SF
Completion  |  2023

Architecture | Jan Fillinger, principal architect; Cameron Ewing, project manager
Interior Design | Studio.e Architecture
Lighting Design | Studio.e Architecture
Structural  | Branch Engineering
Casework  | Yankee Built
Landscape Architect | Lovinger Robertson
Contractor | Six Degrees Construction
Natural Interior Finishes | day one design

Photography | Alec Tucker

Crest ADU occupies an upper level of a detached garage next to the Crest House in Eugene’s South Hills Neighborhood.

Natural daylight, beauty, health, delight, and energy efficiency were the guiding principles for this project. Low environmental impact was prioritized over house size. Exterior materials were chosen for durability and low maintenance while creating custom craftsman details on virtually every surface. 

The house's wall construction features the most sustainable rigid insulation available, made from Gutex wood fiberboard. The continuous insulation significantly reduces thermal transfer from the wall studs and achieves energy efficiency much beyond what is required by code. The HVAC system provides continuous HEPA-filtered fresh air, in addition to highly efficient heating and cooling. Water heating is achieved by a unique heat pump water heater that uses CO2 refrigerant technology instead of the typical refrigerant, which strongly contributes to global warming. 

The custom triple-glazed Zola windows and doors have a beautifully finished wood interior and a sleek aluminum exterior. These exceptional windows are among the most energy-efficient available in the US and are typically used in Passive House construction. The most rigorous air-tightness and energy-efficiency strategies were applied to this house, aiming for near-Passive House performance.